timely

1 of 3

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē 

timelier; timeliest

1

: coming early or at the right time

a timely decision

timely payment

2

: appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion

a timely book

timeliness noun

timely

2 of 3

adverb

1

: in time : opportunely

… the question was not … timely raised in the state court.

—W. O. Douglas

2

archaic : early, soon

timeliness

3 of 3

noun

time·​li·​ness

ˈtīmlēnə̇s, 

-lin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being timely

Synonyms of timely

Adjective

• seasonable
• opportune
• appropriate
• proper
• anticipated
• well-timed
• expected
• relevant
• suitable
• pertinent

Examples of timely in a Sentence

Adjective

Her very timely book examines the effects of global warming on the world's climates.

She always responds to my requests in a timely fashion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

By filling in those gaps at the time of retrieval with the most likely possibility, your memory system can actually be quicker and be more flexible and work online in a timely manner. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026

The lengthy process ensures that the team must avoid timely subject matter. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

The incident is strikingly similar to a May Times report that detailed how information from the scene failed to result in timely evacuations. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

More timely trade intelligence means companies know where supply chain risks and opportunities lie. — Ed Ryan, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for timely

• sublimely
• untimely

Kids Definition

timely

adjective

time·​ly

ˈtīm-lē

timelier; timeliest

1

: coming early or at the right time

2

: especially suitable for the time

a timely book

timeliness noun

Legal Definition

timely

adjective

time·​ly

ˈtīm-lē

: falling within a prescribed or reasonable time

timely notice

timeliness noun

timely adverb