as in early
occurring before the usual or expected time
the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise
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Recent Examples of untimely
Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer teased an untimely fate for Steve Harrington during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon; following the finale, clips of a table read for that pivotal scene have been making the rounds.
—
Josh Glicksman, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026
The minister and founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference led the Civil Rights movement from the mid-1950s through the 1960s until his untimely death in Memphis.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 13 Jan. 2026
Their untimely deaths at age 78 and 70, respectively, have rocked Hollywood.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
The abrupt and untimely death of Cargill’s former attorney Kell Mercer may have been a contributing factor to the need to reenter bankruptcy, according to Stephen Sather, his current attorney.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for untimely
Josh Glicksman, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026
The minister and founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference led the Civil Rights movement from the mid-1950s through the 1960s until his untimely death in Memphis.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 13 Jan. 2026
Their untimely deaths at age 78 and 70, respectively, have rocked Hollywood.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
The abrupt and untimely death of Cargill’s former attorney Kell Mercer may have been a contributing factor to the need to reenter bankruptcy, according to Stephen Sather, his current attorney.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for untimely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untimely
Adjective
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American radar installations and military assets there are essential for early warning against Russian and Chinese missile threats.—
Paul McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
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Anshel Sag Xreal filed a patent infringement lawsuit against rival AR glasses maker Viture, extending an earlier legal clash that began in Germany.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Diego Megia’s hedge fund firm Taula Capital Management has hired the former chair of the UK’s fiscal watchdog who resigned following the premature publication of the autumn budget.—
Nishant Kumar,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
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Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont reportedly wants to see the trio of Davis, Irving and Flagg on the floor before making any premature decisions.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While the actual commercial will have to wait for Super Bowl Sunday, the Bosch teaser is another example of brands leaning on star power and unexpected humor to stand out in the weeks ahead of the game.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Jan. 2026
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To keep this oversized look from appearing stale, designers are being a bit more playful in their approach to silhouettes, balancing shorter crops with a wider hem or bringing an unexpected fabric into the mix.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Hers is a disquieting book, awash in Jenny Holzer-like slogans, memories of a strict evangelical childhood, stories jigsawed together and sudden, breathtaking insights, all framed by the myth of Shahrazad (known in the West as Scheherazade).—
Dan Sheehan,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
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The children, who are with family now, don't fully understand the reality of their parents' sudden disappearances, family members say.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Beyond kicker, though, Ohio State has alignment and formation issues that cost it big in the Cotton Bowl and show up at the most inopportune times.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2026
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The timing is inopportune for MNUFC.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untimely. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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