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
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Recent Examples of early
Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
When to Plant Cucumbers When you plant cucumbers depends on your gardening zone, but generally the best time is in late spring or early summer, after the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026
Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Friday’s delivery to the Kansas Republican’s office in Overland Park appeared to be a calm occasion, but earlier in the week, Wednesday’s delivery in Wichita set off a police response that included a bomb squad.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for early
Adjective
Whilst a creative model inside a standalone interface may impress early adopters, a creative model inside YouTube can begin to reshape everyday remix culture from a standing start.
—Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
When to Plant Cucumbers When you plant cucumbers depends on your gardening zone, but generally the best time is in late spring or early summer, after the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026
Adverb
Days earlier, Hulst was unable to close his mouth after yawning while walking out of a movie theater with his mother.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Friday’s delivery to the Kansas Republican’s office in Overland Park appeared to be a calm occasion, but earlier in the week, Wednesday’s delivery in Wichita set off a police response that included a bomb squad.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
-
Grounding might include a Ku Nye full-body massage inspired by ancient Tibetan healing traditions that stimulates the meridian system, acupressure, kneading, deep-tissue techniques and a Tibetan head massage.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
Naadam is described as an ancient cultural spectacle and one of the few opportunities outsiders get to experience Mongolian culture up close.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Brith, who is ahead and in charge, is taking as her guide the stream, which sparks in the sunlight, cutting a narrow channel through the hillside, weaving itself around rocks and tree trunks, appearing and disappearing, diving underground then springing up in unexpected places.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
Bathrooms offer floor-to-ceiling black-and-white tile and benefit from natural light, adding an unexpected touch of polish to the otherwise playful design.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adverb
-
Spurs reserve Harrison Barnes accidentally collided with Brunson's right knee while falling to the floor, and the Knicks star immediately grabbed at the leg in apparent pain.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
-
SoftBank did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Campsites The park has two primitive (no hookups) campsites—one in each of the two main units.—
Julia Sayers Gokhale,
Midwest Living,
1 June 2026
-
Most subsea drones can only trade sparse, primitive status blips.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
The cost of premature action is highly visible and easily attributed.—
Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
That might be a little premature, however.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
Adverb
-
When it's stored in the refrigerator, its life can be prolonged, preventing it from growing mold or going bad prematurely.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
2 June 2026
-
Helps to create a barrier against UV radiation to prevent fading, splitting, and splintering due to the wood drying out prematurely.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Europe is home to some of the most iconic ancient ruins on the planet, from prehistoric stone circles to entire Roman cities frozen in time.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
-
This is quintessential Alberta—a place where Indigenous traditions breathe life into the land, where artistry ignites the soul, and where prehistoric treasures foster unwavering connections.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
-
There was a sudden flourishing of knives, blades flashing in the market lights.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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