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 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 That made some players more punctual, but did not solve the problem entirely. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The world’s most punctual airlines and airports of 2025. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026 Delta Air Lines was the most punctual airline in the United States last year, taking the top spot for the fifth consecutive year. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punctual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctual

Adjective

There was no immediate word of damage in Qatar, while Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said all incoming fire from Iran had been intercepted.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
There was no immediate response to the Iranian accusations from the Pentagon.

— Courtney Kube, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Definition of immediate

Adjective

What metrics are used to assess whether harmful content is identified and disabled in a timely manner?

— Bhakti Mirchandani, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
There are plenty of boxes to check before takeoff, like setting your OOO message, confirming your Airbnb reservation, and making it through airport security in a timely manner.

— Morgan Sullivan, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

Definition of timely

Adjective

The decision triggered swift backlash from Democratic lawmakers and created an existential—and potentially financial—crisis for the organization.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026
Meanwhile, the European Commission was swift in its defense of Spain—and the trade deal that was painstakingly finalized on June 25.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

Definition of swift

Adjective

The announcement ends speculation that the Hudson facility would be reopened, with the rumors helping prompt Democratic state legislators to pass a new law requiring more oversight of immigrant detention facilities in the state.

— Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 13 July 2026
Attackers have already been using prompt injections to close down AI defenses inside networks.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026

Definition of prompt

Adjective

As Trump confronts Iran war tensions at the NATO summit in Turkey, he is also set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is expected to press for more sanctions on Russia and speedier access to American defense systems.

— Jamie Gray, NBC news, 9 July 2026
What’s more, Better Mortgage is speedy — its time to close averages 19 days, about half of the national average.

— Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 8 July 2026

Definition of speedy

Adjective

There’s also a mill — a 40,000-square foot workshop space — a cafe, plenty of parking and quick access to area freeways.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
The hot mixing allowed for fast setting times and therefore quick production of concrete.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026