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
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Recent Examples of early
Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Looking toward human use Although the study remains in its early stages, the results suggest a new approach for future therapies.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
That resilience was born early.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Adjective
The hope is that early detection of problems can lead to fewer derailments in the future, for East Palestine and the rest of the country.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Looking toward human use Although the study remains in its early stages, the results suggest a new approach for future therapies.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Witt has dealt with back stiffness earlier this season.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
That resilience was born early.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
-
Klein now had most of the funds needed to save a unique stand of ancient forest.—
David Gelles,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
-
One would hope the Chicken Man, friend of ancient chickens, would eat less chicken, after all.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
However, while the visit included an educational tour, meetings with local schoolchildren and even an unexpected downpour, the standout moment was the debut of Kate's new hairstyle.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
-
What begins as a casual conversation about the weather and aching hips gradually deepens into an unexpected friendship—and perhaps something more.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Moved by her mother’s words, the couple got engaged on July 23, 2025, and decided to plan their wedding immediately.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Officers said — and video showed — the rancher moved his hands into his jacket after exiting his truck immediately following the crash.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Instead of blasting in all directions, like a primitive roadside bomb, an EFP directs and concentrates the force of its explosion.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The body shell, fenders, and low-slung doors were hung on a ladder-type frame, primitive compared to the unibody MGB roadster that debuted in 1962.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
While acknowledging the tepid numbers, some analysts previously told ABC News that warnings about a recession are premature.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
4 Sep. 2025
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Even if there’s no rain in the forecast, excess humidity can prevent proper absorption and alter the stain’s drying process, while low humidity can cause premature drying.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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That trust was funded from a medical award after her son was left with life-long disabilities after he was born prematurely.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Lorraine seems cool with it, Ed not so much, and then Judy comes in and hears what's going on, leading Tony to prematurely pop the question.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While Canada plays host to fascinating megafauna spanning from the polar bear to the gray wolf to the muskox, there’s one park in particular that offers a deep dive into the nation’s prehistoric past.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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According to Hamilton’s study, freely roaming bison in Yellowstone National Park—the only place in the lower 48 where bison have continuously free-ranged since prehistoric times—play a pivotal role in the ecosystem.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The condition causes sudden weakness or paralysis in muscles on one side of the face and is, in most cases, temporary, according to the Mayo Clinic.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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