Definition of OPPORTUNE

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

The fact remains that this is an opportune time for someone in his position to jump ship. — John Cassidy, The New Yorker, "Trump’s Top Economist Makes a Timely Exit," 4 June 2019 The timing of her comeback seems opportune, with six speed races scheduled over the next three weekends. — Eric Willemsen, The Seattle Times, "Vonn plans return to World Cup at speed races in Austria," 7 Jan. 2019 Keep an eye out for a rare tidal bore—a tidal phenomenon that only takes place in a few rivers around the world—that happens on the Dordogne River, when surfers from all over rush out to catch the opportune party wave. — Jenn Rice, Vogue, "Why Boating Around Bordeaux Should Be on Your Bucket List," 3 May 2018 Fashion is an opportune way to understand a social media user — and target them As BoF points out, Cambridge Analytica wasn’t investigating fashion brands because of a user’s style. — Chavie Lieber, Vox, "Cambridge Analytica used fashion preferences to target people on Facebook," 29 Nov. 2018 This obviously figures to benefit the NBA profile of Louisville's program too, and the point remains the same: Mitchell and Rozier happen to be emerging at a particularly opportune time for the Cards' recruiting efforts. — Gentry Estes, The Courier-Journal, "Morning Coffee: Boston's NBA playoffs run is Terry Rozier's breakout," 11 May 2018 Antonio Conte's side meanwhile continued to flood the middle of the field without much impetus, as Southampton looked to break up play at every opportune moment, creating an air of frustration among the visitors' ranks. — SI.com, "WATCH: Giroud Breaks Southampton Hearts in Stunning Chelsea Comeback," 14 Apr. 2018 While Teel admitted becoming Chief was never a goal, the timing of department openings mirrored opportune points in his career. — John Benson, cleveland.com, "Parma Heights Police Chief Teel set to retire effective April 1," 15 Jan. 2018 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

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)

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