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
And yet, much of the venture capital ecosystem continues to face challenges in supporting these ambitious solutions at the earliest stages.
—
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
There is no obvious solution, and may not be until January at the earliest.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
His expected preliminary hearing, in which the defense would challenge the evidence used to arrest him and cross-examine the state's witnesses, has been postponed until January at the earliest.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
And the Senate left for the weekend Thursday, meaning nothing will be resolved until at the earliest next week.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the earliest
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Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
There is no obvious solution, and may not be until January at the earliest.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
His expected preliminary hearing, in which the defense would challenge the evidence used to arrest him and cross-examine the state's witnesses, has been postponed until January at the earliest.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
And the Senate left for the weekend Thursday, meaning nothing will be resolved until at the earliest next week.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 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 11 Nov. 2025.
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