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
The department maintains an early intervention system that flags officers based on risk factors, such as a relatively high volume of civilian complaints, frequent use of force, and involvement in preventable traffic collisions or pursuits. — Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Evacuate early People with pets should take measures to evacuate areas under threat sooner than later. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Adverb
At a Paris Fashion Week event earlier this year, Ramon wore a Chloé blue ruffle dress. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026 The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks earlier in the week on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed three Saudis, including a pilot. — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 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
  • Our research is already leading in new directions beyond ancient interiors.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • For scientists, the harder question has been how oxygen stayed abundant for millions of years afterward — long enough, as ancient rocks suggest, to set the stage for the emergence of increasingly complex life.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of ancient
Adjective
  • Stubborn inflation, blowback from White House trade policies, and a formidable Democratic challenger in megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton have combined to turn ruby-red Kansas into an unexpected Senate battleground.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Mandatory statewide caps on property taxes would tie the hands of local governments to deal with the rapid growth and address unexpected emergencies.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of unexpected
Adverb
  • The 1996 work is part of eight self-portraits Bowie created during a prolific period of painting, all of which were snapped up immediately.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The Nobel committee did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment following Rubio’s announcement.
    — Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of immediately
Adjective
  • When our skin senses heat, those signals travel to a primitive part of the brain that tells our body to cool down.
    — Will Stone, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a primitive part of our brains that still fears being eaten by something bigger than us.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of primitive
Adjective
  • Lured in by such shiny baubles, the responsible critic should avoid making premature, weepingly sincere pronouncements.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher announced Friday that Moore died from complications of cardiac dysrhythmia with premature ventricular contractions, a condition involving an abnormal heart rhythm.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of premature
Adverb
  • Enforcing rigid standards prematurely—as early Space Development Agency (SDA) mandates demonstrated—can freeze sub-optimal designs and throttle rapid tech iteration.
    — Rohit Jha, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The committee said the child was born extremely prematurely, at 26 weeks and three days, while the family was abroad.
    — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of prematurely
Adjective
  • Stroll through the woods and encounter prehistoric scenes, luminous flowers, lantern art and a host of mythical creatures.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Think fewer flowers and more new prehistoric species named in your honor.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of prehistoric
Adjective
  • There’s a fascinating synchronicity between the current real-world anxiety and the film industry’s sudden interest in dense studies of the tech world’s dark underbelly.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Other symptoms include sudden high fever and chills, headaches, and pain in the abdomen, legs and arms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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