opportune

adjective

op·por·tune | \ ˌä-pər-ˈtün

, -ˈtyün\

Definition of opportune

1 : suitable or convenient for a particular occurrence an opportune moment the legal authorities helped by the opportune use of their powers of arrest— T. E. Vedney

2 : occurring at an appropriate time an opportune offer of assistance The book's publication is opportune.

Other Words from opportune Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about opportune

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Examples of opportune in a Sentence

There isn't a more opportune time to invest in the stock market. an opportune rain shower gave them an excuse to leave the outdoor concert early

Recent Examples on the Web

Legal and economic experts on the left are already hashing out the specifics, making preparations for an opportune moment. — Richard Rubin, WSJ, "Democrats Take Aim at the Reagan Tax Revolution," 15 Feb. 2019 With everyone anticipating the Mary Poppins sequel, there's never been a more opportune moment to grab an umbrella and start singing. — Blake Bakkila, Good Housekeeping, "These 3 DIY Disney Couples Costumes Are Perfect (and Easy!) for Halloween," 25 Oct. 2018 With Season 7 of GoT arriving in a little over a week, this deal couldn't have come in a more opportune time. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "You Can Now Watch Game of Thrones Without HBO," 6 July 2017 January would be an opportune time for Vonn to return, since there are three consecutive weekends of speed races, downhill and super-G — which are Vonn’s specialties. — Andrew Dampf, The Seattle Times, "US coach: Vonn plans to return to racing next month," 17 Dec. 2018 Most were local Harasta boys linked to a network of smugglers who had previously marketed themselves as Free Syrian Army fighters, pious Sufis, hardline jihadis, or whatever else was opportune. — chicagotribune.com, "Assad's divide-and-conquer strategy is working," 28 Mar. 2018 In her quest to become America’s first female TV science entertainer, this may be an opportune moment for 32-year-old Dr. Biberdorf. — Don Steinberg, WSJ, "The Female Scientist Who Wants to Blow Up Your TV," 5 Dec. 2018 Last weekend, she was honored at the People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles with the inaugural Fashion Icon award, which makes this an opportune time to look back on some of the style turns that have defined her career. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Victoria Beckham on Shopping for the Met Ball at a Sample Sale and the Red Carpet Look She’ll Never Wear Again," 16 Nov. 2018 His startup arrives at an opportune time, as shoppers are keen on value. — Chavie Lieber, Vox, "Italic sells brandless luxury goods from manufactures for Celine, Prada, and Gucci.," 15 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'opportune.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for opportune

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French opportun, borrowed from Latin opportūnus "favoring one's needs, serviceable, convenient," probably originally, "blowing in the direction of a harbor (of a wind)," from ob- ob- + portu-, stem of portus "harbor, port entry 1" + -nus, adjective suffix (vowel length perhaps after the ablative portū)