timely

1 of 3

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce timely (audio)
timelier; timeliest
Synonyms of timely
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

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
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Adjective
The lawsuit, filed June 10 in Rockdale County Superior Court, alleges the company failed to provide timely hazard information, leaving first responders and neighbors unprotected. Brandon Knapp, CBS News, 19 June 2026 The novel's timely release underscores the importance of remembering painful historical moments for healing and growth, particularly as historical facts become increasingly politicized. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Disney is betting the film’s cross-generational appeal, timely tech anxiety and a new Taylor Swift song will help tee up the summer’s family blockbusters. Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 In this timely and personal film, Hardwicke wanted to capture the lives of skateboarders, artists and musicians who strive to live in freedom while confronting their often-traumatic pasts amid a streetscape sometimes marked by violence, drugs and mental illness. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for timely

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of timely was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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

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