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

Beck avoided the big error in UM’s 10-3 playoff win at Texas A&M and deserves credit for making a few timely throws and suggesting to offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson that UM run the ball up the middle more in the second half. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025

The experiences range from adjusting lighting and climate to recommending entertainment or offering timely reminders. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025

In the days leading up to the wedding, Vern and Phyllis worried about the safe and timely travels of her father, whose voyage home was delayed due to the storms. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025

The two things people in our vocation should always strive to provide are, first, reliable information delivered in a timely manner, and second, our judgment about what is and isn’t important. —Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 23 Dec. 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