timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce timely (audio)
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 courtW. O. Douglas
2
archaic : early, soon

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
Michael Mann’s 1981 film Thief starring James Caan is a timely and timeless classic, and artist Brianna Ashby’s print captures both Caan’s prevailing disgruntlement and the film’s beautifully neo-noir aesthetic. Vulture Staff, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2023 Aside from a few timely winks to TikTok and Ozempic, the book and lyrics by Monty Python vet Eric Idle (who collaborated on the music with John Du Prez) leans heavily on nostalgia for various layers of IP dating all the way back to the fifth century. Naveen Kumar, Variety, 17 Nov. 2023 What Are the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning? Recognizing the signs of alcohol poisoning is crucial for timely intervention. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023 This week in the fashion world there is a bevy of news that is timely and worth taking a deep dive into. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 10 Nov. 2023 Students from both sides have criticized Chancellor Pradeep Khosla’s public statements, which some have called insufficiently thorough, timely and empathetic. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2023 Harrison Bard, Custom Cones USA Communicate in a Timely Manner Authentic and timely communication, whether with a client or team member, is key. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2023 While it was scheduled months ago, the class was timely in light of the recent increase in Islamophobic incidents, said Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer of the Islamic Center at NYU. Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2023 Getting people treated right away Testing someone for syphilis doesn't necessarily mean they'll get treated, though: Out of almost 2,200 congenital syphilis cases last year in which the infant's birth parent received timely testing, just 12% received adequate treatment, according to the CDC report. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'timely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of timely was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near timely

Cite this Entry

“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on timely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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