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

Anna Sariol, sales manager for Vis Seed, received a call from the supplier to say there were problems getting shipments out of the airport in Israel on a timely basis. —Pat Maio, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026

At a time when many are searching for hope, the mission behind the race feels especially timely. —Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

Boston successfully killed a Frost power play shortly thereafter — Aerin Frankel made a timely kick save on a cross-crease feed to Lee Stecklein — but Minnesota cashed in even strength to cut Boston’s lead to 2-1 when Kendall Cooper’s shot from the blue line snuck past Frankel. —Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026

Steve Kerr compared the win to the Warriors’ heyday as champions, as Curry’s offensive brilliance, Green’s shutdown defense and some timely shooting from Al Horford took Golden State over the top. —Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 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