Entry Word: early

Function: adjective

Meaning: 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 aged, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, hoary

Near Antonyms advanced, complex

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; abrupt, sudden

Near Antonyms slow, tardy; anticipated, expected

Antonyms late