early

early

adjective

Definition of EARLY

1

relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period <early birds of the Jurassic period>

Synonyms ancient, primal, primeval, primitive, primordial

Related Words budding, embryonic, germinal, infant; aged, age-old, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, dateless, hoary, old, prehistoric (also prehistorical); obsolete, outmoded, out-of-date, passé

Near Antonyms advanced, complex, developed, evolved, high, higher; full-blown, full-fledged, full-scale

Antonyms late

2

occurring before the usual or expected time <we had an early dinner so as not to miss the concert>

Synonyms inopportune, precocious, premature, unseasonable, untimely

Related Words unanticipated, unexpected, unforeseen, unlooked-for; abrupt, sudden

Near Antonyms behindhand, belated, delinquent, latish, overdue, slow, tardy; anticipated, expected; delayed, detained, postponed

Antonyms late