1
as in ancient
relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period
early birds of the Jurassic period
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unexpected
occurring before the usual or expected time
we had an early dinner so as not to miss the concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in immediately
before the usual or expected time
that year spring arrived early
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 early
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 July 2025
In September 1932, a fire destroyed the lodge quickly, sending the lodge's staff fleeing during the early morning hours, according to the National Park Service.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025
Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
The performance was delivered and recorded live at Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City earlier this month.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Adjective
This case follows four others in Kentucky in early July, and at least 12 total cases in the state this year, mostly among unvaccinated individuals.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 July 2025
In September 1932, a fire destroyed the lodge quickly, sending the lodge's staff fleeing during the early morning hours, according to the National Park Service.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025
Adverb
Under the proposal being considered, elementary schools would start and end earlier, while middle and high schools would start and end later.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
The performance was delivered and recorded live at Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City earlier this month.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
-
However, Thailand does not recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction and claims that some areas along the border were never fully demarcated, including the sites of several ancient temples.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
-
To Win Or Not To Win Is Not The Only Question Once AI was a philosophical question – one that religious and spiritual thinkers from ancient cultures asked to better understand the laws of nature.—
Pia Lauritzen,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
His unexpected cameo also served as a promotion for his Big3 basketball league, which is slated to play games at Heritage Bank Center on July 26, the last night of the Cincinnati Music Festival.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
27 July 2025
-
Houser, meanwhile, continued his unexpected run, holding the Cubs scoreless for six innings before giving up a three-run homer to Reese McGuire in garbage time.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
Adverb
-
Then my boyfriend immediately called an ambulance, the police, everything.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
20 July 2025
-
Homicide Unit detectives are investigating the shooting, and a police spokesperson did not immediately describe details or announce an arrest.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Houde said these mammoth animals are a primitive group of proboscideans ('elephantoids') from which modern elephants evolved.—
Joseph J. Kolb,
Fox News,
18 July 2017
-
Many are primitive and remote, and don’t have restrooms or water.—
OregonLive.com,
OregonLive.com,
12 July 2017
Adjective
-
Experts have noted that while as much as 80% of medical education focuses on biology, about 60% of premature deaths are due to behavioral factors including lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, and smoking.—
Alice Park,
Time,
21 July 2025
-
Despite that premature exit, the D.C. Open offers the comfort of home and marks the beginning of the lead up to the U.S. Open, the season’s final major.—
Jacob Steinberg,
Baltimore Sun,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Both types of stone are fossilized prehistoric corals that are about 350 million years old, according to Visit Charlevoix.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
27 July 2025
-
Here, evidence of prehistoric art can be found in rock formations such as the Gruta do Janelão cave, the largest in the canyon.—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Then Kings of Leon and Black Keys come out of Nashville and then all of a sudden the diversity of the music that was coming out of there started to really grow over a short period of time.—
Melonee Hurt,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
-
While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
Adverb
-
The act aims to safeguard providers' First Amendment rights and requires state agencies to promptly notify them of any complaints that could affect their licensure.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
23 July 2025
-
Follow evacuation orders: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share