already

adverb

al·​ready ȯl-ˈre-dē How to pronounce already (audio)
ˈȯl-ˌre-dē
Synonyms of already
1
: prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time : by this time : previously
He had already left when I called.
2
—used as an intensive
All right already.
Enough already!

Synonyms of already

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Examples of already in a Sentence

They've already agreed to come. I'd already left by the time you called. He acted as if he didn't already know. Flight 102 will already have taken off by the time Flight 101 lands. Have they arrived already?! I'm still not dressed! Do you have to go already?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Larai Malami, a 35-year-old mother of 10, gave birth to her last child in December, but the infant has already been diagnosed with malnutrition twice. — ABC News, 19 July 2026 ChatGPT is already installed on about 30% of EU smartphones, and the EU’s rules could give OpenAI a further edge, Bjorhovde wrote. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 19 July 2026 Beyond that, there is the knowledge that every game, every performance, every dramatic intervention on Argentina’s behalf, is embellishing a sporting legacy that already seemed complete. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026 The annual soccer schedule is already jam-packed, each additional 90 minutes carries more injury risk, and most of these players star on club teams whose seasons kick off in a month. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for already

Word History

Etymology

Middle English al redy, from al redy, adjective, wholly ready, from al all + redy ready

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of already was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing already

Rhymes for already

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Browse Nearby Words

alraun
already
alright
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Already.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/already. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

already

adverb
al·​ready ȯl-ˈred-ē How to pronounce already (audio)
ˈȯl-ˌred-ē
: before a certain time : by the time
I had already left when you called

More from Merriam-Webster on already

Nglish: Translation of already for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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