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
CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
The person cautioned that the investigation was still in the early stages.
—Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
In 2024, lawyers for two parents filed two separate lawsuits relating to the C-section delivery of their baby two years earlier by Mount Sinai Medical Center.
—Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for early
Adjective
Mesa County Clerk and Colorado Republican candidate for secretary of state Tina Peters reacts to early election returns during a primary night watch party at the Wide Open Saloon on June 28, 2022, in Sedalia, Colorado.
—CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
The person cautioned that the investigation was still in the early stages.
—Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
Adverb
Nelson, who was on a 10-day contract with Brooklyn earlier, is back with Long Island, but he’s expected to miss the rest of the G League season with patellar tendinitis, according to reports.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
In 2024, lawyers for two parents filed two separate lawsuits relating to the C-section delivery of their baby two years earlier by Mount Sinai Medical Center.
—Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
-
Tiny Zahara is a delight for those who want to hear only the sounds of the wind, birds, and elderly footsteps on ancient cobbles.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Although its beliefs align with Roman Catholic doctrine, including the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus, the church maintains its own distinct, ancient Eastern traditions and identity.—
Gregory Bull,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
My in-destination partners are equipped to handle any unexpected challenges swiftly, maintaining the quality and enjoyment of your travel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
-
In that appearance, Richins said their father's passing was unexpected.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Authorities said to call 911 immediately.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Iraq’s General Company for Ports was not immediately available to comment when contacted by CNBC.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The aesthetic is plush but also primitive.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Some futurists compare this development to our primitive ancestors’ discovery of fire.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
SpaceX conducted five Starship flight tests in 2025, the first three of which ended in disaster when the vehicle met a premature fiery demise before completing many key objectives.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Yet the condition can lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, depression and even premature death if left untreated.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The dismissal prematurely ended what was shaping up to be a strong outing for Brown, who had eight points, seven assists and two rebounds in 15 minutes.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
-
In season one, Wilson stars as Pryce Cahill, an over-the-hill, ex-pro golfer whose career was derailed prematurely 20 years ago.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Dating back more than 66 million years to the late Cretaceous period, Trey offers a window into prehistoric life.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Modern threats and conservation Despite its prehistoric resilience, the Old Irish goat now faces a serious modern threat.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Garry Moore, 66, pleaded guilty in January to voluntary manslaughter, a Level 2 felony, under sudden heat.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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