PUNCTUAL Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

punctual

adjective

ˈpəŋk-chə-wəl

Definition of punctual

as in immediate

done, carried out, or given without delay the punctual delivery of the daily mail

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 punctual Being punctual was something drilled into my head quite early on in my life. — Joseph Liu, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 Her employer may also be a stickler for being punctual. — Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026 Lily is in charge of these (Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools) funds and her communication and punctuality are always professional and punctual. — Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026 Heart for animals Bouffard’s co-workers and family celebrated her Sunday as a punctual, reliable colleague and friend who liked to smoke, drink, gamble and have a good time. — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punctual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctual

Adjective

But a staff report by the Development Review Committee noted that the building is significantly larger in mass and scale than its immediate surroundings and suggested design tweaks to reduce the massing effect.

— Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
The move has already drawn immediate and intense concern from scientists and medical professionals, who are wary that the decision will result in confusion and harm to consumers.

— Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of immediate

Adjective

There are trendy accessories that aren’t too timely, classic leather goods with subtle logos, and quite a few statement pieces for the more adventurous dressers among us.

— Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2026
Nolan Traoré found his jumper after halftime, Julius Randle added timely baskets and passes, and Day’Ron Sharpe kept working the glass.

— C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of timely

Adjective

Netanyahu’s unsubstantiated claims of election interference have drawn swift rebukes, as the opposition considers using its numbers to shape the Knesset before a new government is formed.

— Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Dean met Merz in 2005, when she was given a swift tour of her home and studio, which have been preserved as a museum.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of swift

Adjective

Despite the uncharacteristically prompt arrivals, an unhurried air of European hospitality permeated the event, which was hosted by chairman Leonardo Ferragamo and creative director Maximilian Davis.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
In an indirect prompt injection, an attacker hides instructions in content an AI agent will come across while doing a task—a web page or a forum post, for instance—hoping to hijack the agent.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of prompt

Adjective

The design was a drastic departure from previous Astons, ditching the effortlessly speedy look for a furious, contentious design language with almost cartoonish proportions.

— Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
This includes relaxing rules around flaring—or burning off excess natural gas at well sites—as well as doing away with a program that requires speedy fixes for large methane leaks.

— Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of speedy

Adjective

With the lesson learned from last year, TCU made sure to get off to a much quicker start as the Horned Frogs’ new roster shined against the Lions.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Next year, if Democrats claim the majority in both chambers, the GOP can’t expect quick dismissals.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026