timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce timely (audio)
timelier; timeliest
Synonyms of timelynext
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

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
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Adjective
With Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen and Radek Faksa all out of the lineup again, the Stars needed some depth scoring, and Bastian answered with a timely goal. Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026 Ukraine's air defenses shot down most of the Russian missiles, Zelenskyy said, crediting Western partners for timely delivery of additional air defense interceptors. Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026 After one incident, he was docked $35,000 for failing to leave the court in a timely manner and throwing the ball into the stands after his ejection from a game. CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026 After meeting with Davids this week, Olathe Mayor John Bacon said in a statement that being able to drive throughout Olathe in a safe and timely manner is a top priority for residents. Kendrick Calfee february 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for timely

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of timely was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on timely

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