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
In early promo shots of the band, Jeff Jourard is presented as a full member. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026 An early Tubi investor, Mike has led its product and engineering teams with a focus on innovation and execution. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026
Adverb
His case — and, importantly, his face — were featured earlier this year at San Diego Comic-Con International, where attendees watched as forensic artist Joe Mullins sculpted a plaster reconstruction of the youth’s face. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026 Nebraska took a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter on a 15-yard run by Mekhi Nelson on his only carry of the game. — Steve Stein, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 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
  • There is also concrete poetry—writing arranged in images or geometric forms—a tradition that can be traced to ancient instances of shaped poetry.
    — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The Roman coin hoard is the latest in a series of ancient discoveries in Sweden.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of ancient
Adjective
  • Try a smaller version or an unexpected substitution that makes sense.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The winless start after going 11-6 last season has been as unexpected as anything that's happened this season.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of unexpected
Adverb
  • The Monterey County district attorney’s office did not immediately respond to questions from The Times.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Spokespersons for Hinojosa and Talarico did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of immediately
Adjective
  • For more experienced hikers seeking extremes, the Backcountry Trail is a rugged seven-mile trek with steep grades passing primitive campsites, perfect for spending the night underneath the stars.
    — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The designers were also working with hardware that looks primitive by today’s standards.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of primitive
Adjective
  • Then, suddenly, the evening begins a rapid and premature descent into darkness.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Cramer cautioned that investors may be drawing premature conclusions about the election's economic implications.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of premature
Adverb
  • That approach short-circuited the roster, especially when it was paired with some serious injuries, like the one that ended seasons of Hill and Chubb prematurely.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Jerusalem — In a political career that has spanned more than three decades, Benjamin Netanyahu has been written off too many times to count, only to prove the obituaries were penned prematurely.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of prematurely
Adjective
  • But tyrannosaurs have not thrived among these wet woodlands of prehistoric Utah just by bringing each other gifts.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Other witnesses reported smaller, hairy creatures, a prehistoric-looking bird and a worm allegedly measuring 8 feet long.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of prehistoric
Adjective
  • The performance is bringing a sudden wave of attention, which the 26-year-old actor is navigating with help from family, friends and firm boundaries.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Testing methodology Extreme forces driving modern aerospace and defense systems expose structural materials to rapid deformation, crushing pressure, and sudden failure.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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