as in early
before the usual or expected time
a baby born three weeks prematurely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 prematurely
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
Severely infected leaves drop prematurely.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
The trial is part of a much larger legal tussle over the matter, with potential implications for Abbott and for families of babies born prematurely nationwide.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
His 2025 season ended prematurely with a concussion and neck injury sustained in Week 14.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
That depletes your carb stores prematurely, leaving you unable to accelerate and more likely to bonk.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 5 Mar. 2026
The 31 people who died that day, and the hundreds who have died prematurely since.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
The Defense Department released a blueprint in January for hardening bases against drones that slip past air defenses, outlining measures for commanders, including netting to trap or prematurely detonate incoming drones and additional hardened overhead cover.
—Steven Beynon, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
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
Severely infected leaves drop prematurely.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
The trial is part of a much larger legal tussle over the matter, with potential implications for Abbott and for families of babies born prematurely nationwide.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
His 2025 season ended prematurely with a concussion and neck injury sustained in Week 14.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
That depletes your carb stores prematurely, leaving you unable to accelerate and more likely to bonk.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 5 Mar. 2026
The 31 people who died that day, and the hundreds who have died prematurely since.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
The Defense Department released a blueprint in January for hardening bases against drones that slip past air defenses, outlining measures for commanders, including netting to trap or prematurely detonate incoming drones and additional hardened overhead cover.
—Steven Beynon, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prematurely
early
Adverb
-
When the Big 12 Conference invited reporters to the T-Mobile Center earlier this week, the league showed off a bunch of fun looks for its new LED video floor.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Planting outside too early can slow the plants down.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prematurely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prematurely. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
