early 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of earlynext
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

early

2 of 2

adverb

ˈər-lē How to pronounce early (audio)
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
Adjective
Paramount would have faced a similar delay, likely pushing any appellate relief into early 2027. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 July 2026 Brighton’s head coach does not need a group of exhausted World Cup players on his hands when trying to cope with extra fixtures in the UEFA Conference League, especially in the early part of the season. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Adverb
Neptune sextiles Pluto early today, blending idealism with the power to reshape systems, habits, and shared goals. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026 He’s expected to be among the veteran leaders filling the void left by head coach Kyle Shanahan’s recovery from a car accident earlier this month, which the team revealed Saturday. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
  1. ancient
  2. unexpected
  3. immediately
  4. primitive
  5. premature
  6. prematurely
  7. prehistoric
  8. sudden
Adjective
  • Archeologists identify it as ancient Samaria, capital of the biblical Kingdom of Israel.
    — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Outside of learning about ancient concentration camps and historic serial killers while Phaedra beams, the moment without Porsha serves as a Hail Mary pass for Shamea to try to salvage some of the damage from the night before.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of ancient
Adjective
  • Some unexpected foods provide us with abundant amounts of leucine without having to resort to supplements.
    — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 23 July 2026
  • And yet, when fate brings us together with someone in a completely unexpected way, our defenses collapse.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of unexpected
Adverb
  • Draiblate’s skills and leadership ability were immediately clear, according to José-Luis Novo, the symphony’s conductor and artistic director.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The Jayhawks seemed to respond immediately cutting into that eight-point deficit.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of immediately
Adjective
  • But the football was largely primitive and uncompetitive, as only 13 countries competed.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026
  • But the Deadheads also evince an honest yearning for something that’s tribal, primitive, sacred, ancient, shamanic, ecstatic.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 July 2026
Definition of primitive
Adjective
  • Now, researchers have found a molecule that may be able to predict when women are at risk for premature delivery—and, potentially, help prolong their pregnancy to a healthier length.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 20 July 2026
  • The findings suggest supporting varied interests is more beneficial than pushing premature specialization.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of premature
Adverb
  • Some critics and media outlets have prematurely concluded that the policy has failed.
    — Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026
  • One of the six Raptor engines on Starship’s upper stage also shut down prematurely on the last test flight.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Definition of prematurely
Adjective
  • While the area was formerly covered by prehistoric lakes, today the water here mainly exists as seasonal wetlands, gurgling geysers, hot springs, and a hypersaline lake that’s saltier than the ocean.
    — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026
  • The species has remained unchanged since prehistoric times, finding ways to survive while other species became extinct, according to the San Diego Zoo.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of prehistoric
Adjective
  • In the meantime, if the sudden onset of the midsummer sports doldrums is anything to go by, the next World Cup can’t get here soon enough.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
  • The sudden sight of a dish so delicious — or grotesque — the body briefly forgets its need for oxygen.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Definition of sudden

Browse Nearby Words

earls
early
earmark
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Cite this Entry

“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of early for Spanish Speakers

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