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

The move to diversify and re-design their portfolio is timely as the company’s blockbuster cancer immunotherapy, Keytruda (which accounted for $8 billion of their Q1 revenue), has patents set to expire in 2028. — Charlotte Hu, Time, 9 July 2026

One of their primary tasks is finding the best route to instruct — or teach — their players and present information in a timely manner. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 9 July 2026

What metrics are used to assess whether harmful content is identified and disabled in a timely manner? — Bhakti Mirchandani, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

There are plenty of boxes to check before takeoff, like setting your OOO message, confirming your Airbnb reservation, and making it through airport security in a timely manner. — Morgan Sullivan, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 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