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
-
Smoke from the Jumping Branch fire has spread for miles, prompting warnings for drivers to avoid parts of NC 80, as well as a Temporary Flight Restriction in the immediate area, McDowell County 911 reports.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Matches without goals triggered texts to Garden requesting immediate Wyscout Zoom sessions.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Her other priorities listed on her website include teacher satisfaction, college/career readiness, fiscal responsibility, early childhood education, equity, anti-bullying, mental health support and AI literacy.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
-
TechWatch sessions aim to provide a forum for evaluating technology and manufacturing readiness, as well as pathways for potential funding or procurement.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But the injury also represented a timely reminder for Olsson.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Additionally, WatchOS 26 introduces helpful new features, including a convenient wrist flick gesture and timely suggestions.—
Cierra Cowan,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 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
-
The decision drew swift criticism from both Democratic and Republican figures, who questioned Jackson's willingness to engage with voters.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The end was swift and merciless.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Passengers at Logan have experienced minimal impacts to TSA wait times during this shutdown thanks in large part to TSA officers' willingness to work without a paycheck.—
Brandon Truitt,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
There is a sense of frustration, perhaps even despair in Springfield and other state capitals because the CFTC so far has shown no sign of a willingness to share regulatory authority, or even exercise its own power in meaningful ways.—
David Greising,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Others prompt for a password, but if the user has never changed the manufacturer’s default, an attacker can try a short list of common credentials.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Crump called on Prescott to conduct a prompt investigation into the shooting of Steven Jones.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 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,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Despite all this timeliness and pedigree, though, and a cast led by Gen Z superstars Jaeden Martell and Asa Butterfield, this pitch-black, thrillingly toxic comedy only landed at Tribeca Festival last year after being rejected by both Sundance and SXSW.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Punctual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctual. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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