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

Eustis actually had twice as many hits as their Panther counterparts, but Coral Springs Charter pitcher Counrtney Wahlbrink managed to escape multiple innings with timely strikeouts. —Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026

Once in Israeli custody, detainees describe being beaten, tasered, strip-searched and attacked by dogs while held in shipboard containers, often blindfolded, shackled and denied timely access to lawyers or consular officials. —Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026

Backed by Mark Cuban and the Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman, the project is especially timely ahead of the upcoming World Cup and Los Angeles Olympics. —Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

But after decades of cultural dominance, its famed run has come to a timely end. —Antonio Ferme, Variety, 22 May 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