EARLY Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

early 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of early

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

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

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

Yesterday subsequently carried out several capital increases, including transactions in early 2025 in which some shares were paid for by offsetting existing claims against the company. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 Directed by Garrett Warren, the action film stars Amber Midthunder and Walton Goggins and is set for release on Hulu/Disney+ in early 2027. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Quarterback Darian Mensah and this pass offense might be the best in UM history, which is saying a lot, and saying it early. — Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, Garcia laced a two-run double as Skenes was on the ropes early. — Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for early

Recent Examples of Synonyms for early

Adjective

Although there are plenty of books in three languages (Arabic, French, and English), there are also museums, a planetarium, and a lab dedicated to restoring and preserving ancient manuscripts.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
Unlike the other four, it was not protected as an ancient monument because it was believed to have been lost.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of ancient

Adjective

The Katonah Museum of Art is an unexpected stop for rotating exhibitions of cross-disciplinary visual art, while Philip Johnson’s Glass House in nearby New Canaan is also worth a half-day excursion.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
The scalloped trim along the front pockets is an unexpected detail that sets them apart from a standard pair of pants, while the relaxed silhouette is still easy to style with sweaters, tees, and button-downs.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of unexpected

Adjective

But their primitive way of living reveals itself to rather more devastating effect when their third child is born, and Inger commits an act of unthinkable desperation.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
The feathers were partially adapted for diving, yet retained primitive, fuzzy down typical of non-avian dinosaurs.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of primitive

Adjective

Van celebrated winning the 125-pound title, but both fighters walked away from that night feeling everyone deserved more than the premature result.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Unfortunately, Sara went into premature labor, and her twin boys were stillborn.

— Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of premature

Adjective

The National Museum alone lost almost two-thirds of its inventory, comprising nearly 100,000 artifacts that covered Sudan’s prehistoric age through its Nubian era, the Kingdom of Kush, the Christian era and its Islamic period.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Seeing those ancient sculptures would have a lasting impact on Cabrera, whose work contained forms that recall pagan ritual and prehistoric objects.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of prehistoric

Adjective

If not for the sudden availability of long-distance ocean transport (not to mention constant engineering challenges and the escalating cost of the plan), D-Day may have required far more woollen socks.

— Mike McRae September 16, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
Set on the eve of the Korean war, this ruminative story follows a midwestern family that’s fractured by a mother’s sudden disappearance.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of sudden

Browse Nearby Words

earls

early

earmark

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Style

“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of early

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

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