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

While filings reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter show that traditional lobbying focal points like tax policy and copyright law were a constant across every company in the ecosystem, more timely topics also took center stage. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Feb. 2026

For the most timely and secure tax return use, use direct deposit for your returns. —Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026

Haggerty continued to hit timely shots as the Wildcats tried to hold off TCU, but his two turnovers late ended up being one of the biggest moments of the game. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026

The Justice Department says the new rule will allow applicants to receive timely decisions. —Anna Alejo, CBS News, 7 Feb. 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