as in immediate
done, carried out, or given without delay
the punctual delivery of the daily mail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in readiness
the quality or habit of arriving or being ready on time
our boss is a real stickler for punctuality—he expects everyone to be at their desk by nine o'clock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of punctual
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Instead be polite, punctual and always turn your camera on.
—The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025
Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
More than 10 billion passengers have traveled on Japan’s Shinkansen since 1964, and the network’s drama-free punctuality has become a quiet part of daily life for millions.
—Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctual
Adjective
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
Instead be polite, punctual and always turn your camera on.
—The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
Securing a job in the service industry, as a lifeguard or coach for younger children—essentially any position that requires punctuality, customer service, and the ability to handle pressure—can teach essential skills for preparing for college.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
More than 10 billion passengers have traveled on Japan’s Shinkansen since 1964, and the network’s drama-free punctuality has become a quiet part of daily life for millions.
—Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctual
Adjective
-
All visitors who paid for entry were told that only kind words would be tolerated, and any hurtful words or curses would result in immediate expulsion from the tent.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
The franchise stunned the NBA by trading away cornerstone Luka Dončić, plunging the roster into an immediate identity crisis.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Russian telegram channel Astra — labeled a foreign agent by authorities — injected a note of skepticism, pointing out that Putin has spoken about the nuclear-capable missile’s imminent readiness at least 10 times since 2021.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
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Coordinating it all is the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), which sets the clinical standards, runs the training, and keeps the network in a constant state of readiness.—
Craig Spencer,
STAT,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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Co-founded by Relativity Ventures’ Renee Rossi and Gretchen McCourt, WIE aims to bring together experienced leaders in the entertainment and marketing worlds to address a range of pivotal and timely issues that affect women.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
19 May 2026
-
Jon Devine, senior economist at Cotton Incorporated, keeps key stakeholders in the textile and investment communities informed via timely market analyses of commodity economics and factors influencing their stability.—
SJ Guest Editorial,
Footwear News,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Observational research spanning seven different cultures shows that maternal responsiveness, especially the promptness of it, is a universal feature of caregiving.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
For DiPentima, the bill’s swift progress though the legislature was concerning.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
-
The collision occurred off base, prompting a lockdown and swift emergency response, as witnesses reported fire and smoke and video captured four parachutes opening while wreckage fell.—
Rebecca Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
In recent years, BMW has shown a willingness to put its Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este concepts, like the Skytop roadster and Speedtop shooting brake, into production, but there appear to be no plans to do the same with the Vision BMW Alpina as of now.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
15 May 2026
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Researchers note that more study is needed to fully understand the role cannabis may play in menopause symptom management, but the numbers highlight a growing willingness among women to experiment with different approaches to feeling better.—
Aisha Alves,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The key here, overall, is to take prompt action now that interest rates aren't moving.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
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Seeking prompt medical attention after an incident may support both your recovery and any potential legal claim.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Certain information has been provided by and/or is based on third party sources and, although such information is believed to be reliable, no representation is made with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such information.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
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Showrunner, writer and executive producer Jonathan Glatzer, executive producer Gina Mingacci and actors Billy Magnussen and Simon Helberg opened up about the timeliness of the drama.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Punctual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctual. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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