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

Legerton, working with his group on the ground in North Carolina, believes that lawmakers and policymakers must focus on streamlining disaster relief programs to ensure effective and timely aid distribution for affected families and communities nationwide. —Jonathan R.m. Charles, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025

Afterward, board trustees did not respond to Reed's texts and emails in a timely manner and ignored them, the suit said. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Nov. 2025

Throughout the contest, Carroll’s defense made timely plays, holding Crowley off the scoreboard despite the Eagles tallying 246 yards. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2025

The Running Man Like the 1982 Stephen King novel upon which it's based, Edgar Wright's latest is a high-octane dystopian thriller that manages to pack in laughs and timely commentary in equal measure. —Ew Staff November 14, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Nov. 2025

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