timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē 

timelier; timeliest

1

: coming early or at the right time

a timely decision

timely payment

2

: appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion

a timely book

timeliness noun

timely

2 of 2

adverb

1

: in time : opportunely

… the question was not … timely raised in the state court.

—W. O. Douglas

2

archaic : early, soon

Synonyms of timely

Adjective

• seasonable
• opportune
• appropriate
• proper
• anticipated
• well-timed
• expected
• relevant
• suitable
• pertinent

Examples of timely in a Sentence

Adjective

Her very timely book examines the effects of global warming on the world's climates.

She always responds to my requests in a timely fashion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Get timely insight into the cases, rulings, and constitutional questions defining America’s legal landscape. — Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026

Organizations developing solutions that leverage AI should focus on connecting expertise and insights, deploying effective solutions in a timely fashion and, importantly, objectively measuring impact. — Brad Kreick, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

In last year’s World Series, Ohtani had endured hitting slumps, too, but his teammates compensated with timely contributions to earn a second consecutive title. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026

Laquisha Anthony, who is with WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, said the university creating the advisory group is a timely step in the right direction. — Raymond Strickland, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for timely

• sublimely
• untimely

Kids Definition

timely

adjective

time·​ly

ˈtīm-lē

timelier; timeliest

1

: coming early or at the right time

2

: especially suitable for the time

a timely book

timeliness noun

Legal Definition

timely

adjective

time·​ly

ˈtīm-lē

: falling within a prescribed or reasonable time

timely notice

timeliness noun

timely adverb