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

Nearly 94,000 of them are projected to face severe acute malnutrition, a potentially life-threatening condition without timely treatment. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

In an especially timely documentary, the Venezuelan Afro-Indigenous filmmaker fuses spatial portraits, archival material, and character observation to create a video letter addressed to a friend. — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Organizations can consistently improve customer retention by recognizing the differences hidden behind averages, identifying the signals traditional systems overlook and translating those insights into timely, targeted customer actions. — Dr. Vasudeva Akula, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Some nonprofits are now advocating for state laws that require financial firms to release funds and benefits in a timely manner and without forcing charities to create new accounts. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 17 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