as in early
occurring before the usual or expected time
the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 untimely
The actor’s untimely death at just 24 years old sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
—
Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Regardless of circumstance, Mahomes has historically gotten the better of Jackson head to head, winning four of five matchups that might have been perfect if not for an untimely fumble by Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2021.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
The designer spent 11 years working with the late Franco Moschino, becoming his right-hand person and keeping his legacy alive in the aftermath of his untimely death in 1994.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
Two widows cashing out after their husband’s untimely and suspicious passings.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for untimely
Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Regardless of circumstance, Mahomes has historically gotten the better of Jackson head to head, winning four of five matchups that might have been perfect if not for an untimely fumble by Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2021.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
The designer spent 11 years working with the late Franco Moschino, becoming his right-hand person and keeping his legacy alive in the aftermath of his untimely death in 1994.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
Two widows cashing out after their husband’s untimely and suspicious passings.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for untimely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untimely
Adjective
-
These decisions have significantly affected the availability of polling places, early voting, absentee ballot eligibility, and even the provision of food and water to voters waiting in lines for hours to vote, likely due to limitations mentioned above.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Nichushkin atoned for his earlier mistake with the third goal of the period.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The mission, coming a little less than two months since the previous Starship demonstration in August, helped to further snap a run of three tests early in 2025 in which the vehicle met a premature fiery demise before completing many key objectives.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The shift could prevent about 15 million premature deaths a year globally and cut farm emissions by 15%.—
Bloomberg News,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In Stand by Me, four teenage boys (played by Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell) go on a day trip in 1959 to search for the dead body of a missing classmate and bond in unexpected and heartfelt ways.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Surprise invitations, unexpected gatherings, big plans related to kids, sports or the arts might send you in a new direction.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The result was a sudden and deep selloff among regional banks, drawing comparisons to the churn of the 2023 banking crisis that consumed Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic.—
Hugh Son,
CNBC,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
That allowed his bat to roar to life at an inopportune time.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Still, the timing for Disney may be inopportune.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untimely. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share