early

1 relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period early birds of the Jurassic period Synonyms ancient, primal, primeval, primitive, primordial Related Words budding, embryonic, germinal, infant; aged, age-old, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, dateless, hoary, old, prehistoric (also prehistorical); obsolete, outmoded, out-of-date, passé Near Antonyms advanced, complex, developed, evolved, high, higher; full-blown, full-fledged, full-scale Antonyms late

2 occurring before the usual or expected time we had an early dinner so as not to miss the concert Synonyms inopportune, precocious, premature, unseasonable, untimely Related Words unanticipated, unexpected, unforeseen, unlooked-for; abrupt, sudden Near Antonyms behindhand, belated, delinquent, latish, overdue, slow, tardy; anticipated, expected; delayed, detained, postponed Antonyms late

before the usual or expected time that year spring arrived early Synonyms beforehand, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably Related Words immediately, instantly, presently, promptly, pronto, punctually; apropos, betimes, seasonably Antonyms belatedly, late, tardily