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

Adjective

• opportune
• seasonable
• well-timed

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

That invisible hand can be seen at work, powered by modern-day tech like AI and machine learning, helping a merchant get timely finance to replenish their stock or provide convenience to a shopper while transacting on an e-commerce website. —Bindesh Pandey, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

The fantasy, a timely rebuke to the despicable contempt of RFK Jr., is that neurodivergence makes you into a superhero. —A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

Talk about turnarounds: Hollywood is getting high marks this week for two timely hits that are being devoured by Gen Z audiences worldwide. —Peter Bart, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025

Traub said the money did foster more timely payments and website improvements but there are still shortcomings in those and other areas. —Paul Davidson, USA Today, 23 Apr. 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