at the earliest

idiom

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
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.
Any local tax vote in Missouri would likely come in November at the earliest. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2025 The Athletics will be playing in Sacramento for at least the next couple of seasons, as the team’s new ballpark in Las Vegas won’t be ready until 2028 at the earliest. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025 The law would be finalised by 2027 at the earliest, with six years given to implement the changes. Chloe Taylor,jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 June 2025 Jones needed surgery at the end of last season and won’t be back until training camp at the earliest. Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 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 30 Jun. 2025.

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