opportune

adjective op·por·tune \ ˌä-pər-ˈtün , -ˈtyün \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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.

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opportunely

adverb

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opportuneness

play \ˌä-pər-ˈt(y)ün-nəs\ noun

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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 of opportune from the Web

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea resident Mattheus Santos picked an opportune time to have the best swim meet of his life.

— emmett hall, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Swimmers create ripples of success in Florida Gold Coast senior long course meet," 27 Aug. 2017
The idea headed into this season is to position Thomas as the team’s primary kick-return specialist, and his touchdown Friday came at an opportune moment.

— blair kerkhoff, kansascity, "De’Anthony Thomas provides return boost for Chiefs," 25 Aug. 2017
Given that gas prices are low and likely to stay low due to the fracking boom in oil production, this would be an opportune time to raise the tax.

— mark zandi, Philly.com, "Get cracking on infrastructure, or continue to pay the price," 25 Aug. 2017
GOAL, FC Cincinnati (34'), 1-0 — Danni Konig's ninth of the season came at an opportune moment for FC Cincinnati.

— patrick brennan, Cincinnati.com, "Live updates | FC Cincinnati hosts Ottawa Fury FC," 23 Aug. 2017
Perhaps, Andretti has made his choice but is waiting for an opportune time to let the rest of the racing world in on his secret.

— jim ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Here's what's riding on Andretti’s looming decision between Honda, Chevrolet," 15 Aug. 2017
The stability comes at the opportune time for a couple reasons.

— shandel richardson, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Heat's Wayne Ellington hoping to find stability in Miami," 18 July 2017
The growth in the cold-brew coffee category comes at an opportune time as Starbucks’ same-store sales growth in the U.S. and worldwide has slowed recently.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "Amazon’s shadow puts temporary scare into another sector," 14 July 2017
Beyond the new shows, couture fashion week has emerged at an opportune time to throw a party.

— derek blasberg, Vanities, "See Katy Perry, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst, and More in Derek Blasberg’s Couture Week Photo Diary," 12 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of 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, ¹port" + -nus, adjective suffix (vowel length perhaps after the ablative portū)

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First Known Use: 15th century

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