at the earliest

phrase

—used to indicate the earliest possible time when something will happen or be done
The job will not be finished until next year at the (very) earliest.

Examples of at the earliest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Last year, Kering and Mayhoola jointly announced that the current ownership structure of the Valentino house will not change before 2028 at the earliest. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 Our next chance for rain may hold off until Sunday at the earliest. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 Tyler Mahle pitched on Wednesday, which would seem to knock him out until game three at the earliest. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Williams began the season on the physically unable to perform list and isn’t eligible to return until next week against Seattle, at the earliest. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at the earliest

Cite this Entry

“At the earliest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20earliest. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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