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

Fred Warner made plays all day, and a rejuvenated secondary under new coordinator Raheem Morris made some timely contributions, from Renardo Green’s interception to Jack Jones’ pass breakup. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

As former White House official Bob McNally describes in his timely book Crude Volatility, oil prices tend to swing more widely than other commodities because demand is assumed to be highly inelastic. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Reports should show trends, flag emerging risks and translate technical metrics into potential operational, financial and reputational impacts, allowing the board to assess how the risk is evolving and guide decisions in a timely manner. — Susana Sierra, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Also, a positive Shield blood test is not a final diagnosis; the patient must follow up with a timely colonoscopy. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 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