as in earlier
so as to precede something in order of time
when we got back to the house, the movers had already left
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of already
The Observer previously reported many communities planned to rely heavily on public complaints, voluntary compliance and observations from city staff already working in the field rather than deploying dedicated enforcement teams.
—
Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
One can argue this incentive still exists for a team that has already traded its unprotected first-round pick, as going from three balls to two means better odds of being drawn later and a higher second-round pick.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Colleges and universities looking at D203 transcripts and seeing freshmen started high school with a second year of language or advanced math already assume the district offers a rigorous academic course load, Willard said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Looking back, so much of the show already feels like a dreamlike, sentimental memory of an entertainment world that may never have fully existed in the first place.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for already
Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
One can argue this incentive still exists for a team that has already traded its unprotected first-round pick, as going from three balls to two means better odds of being drawn later and a higher second-round pick.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Colleges and universities looking at D203 transcripts and seeing freshmen started high school with a second year of language or advanced math already assume the district offers a rigorous academic course load, Willard said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Looking back, so much of the show already feels like a dreamlike, sentimental memory of an entertainment world that may never have fully existed in the first place.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for already
Recent Examples of Synonyms for already
Adverb
-
If the Wizards are much more competitive in the season ahead, as expected, more lower-bowl seats should be occupied.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
So, the Navy is forging ahead trying to make the best of ships its leaders didn’t want just a few years ago.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Adverb
-
The rapper could be seen dragging Cassie down the hotel hallway in surveillance footage that was shown to the jury and previously released to the public in 2024.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
-
Analysts have previously expressed concern that US stocks of the interceptors have been depleted by the Iran conflict as well as by last year’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran, and noted that manufacturing more takes time.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Adverb
-
The Trojans will now prepare to face Lamar University, which blew a five-run lead in a 7-5 loss to host Texas A&M earlier Friday.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Authorities said earlier that Baker was responsible for or involved in the deaths of three men — Robert Shine and John Carse, both 69, and a 79-year-old man who has not been identified.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
Adverb
-
Greg Biffle is accused in the lawsuit of being negligent in cooperating with Dutton, despite knowing the problems Dutton was experiencing before and during the flight, the lawsuit said.—
Jeff A. Chamer
May 29,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
-
His parents had seen it before.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Already.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/already. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
