UNTIMELY Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

untimely

adjective

Definition of untimely

as in early

occurring before the usual or expected time the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Mark Hill died in 2019, at the untimely age of 59. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026 Friends, family and fans were all shocked by Mays’ untimely death. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026 Why Basquiat endures Sirmans said there are many reasons why more than three decades after his untimely death from a drug overdose in 1988 at the age of 27, Basquiat remains one of the defining artists of the late 20th century. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 Following the untimely demise of his Jon Spencer Blues Explosion in 2016, Spencer released the Spencer Gets it Lit album alongside The HITmakers in 2022. — Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for untimely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for untimely

Adjective

Crews from multiple local and state agencies began an extensive search, and his body was recovered early Monday, family members confirmed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Hull noted Robinson was wearing different clothes and walking with a limp not seen in the earlier footage.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of early

Adjective

Its companies research therapeutic psychedelics and treatments for premature ejaculation.

— Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Otherwise, the moves were mostly low-key (a new backup goaltender, a bottom-six wing) rather than an overreaction to another premature playoff exit.

— Scott Turick, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Definition of premature

Adjective

But somewhere between talking about recipes and the future of food, the conversation took an unexpected turn.

— Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
Aside from simply driving through Yellowstone, taking in the sights on foot resulted in 15 deaths through accidental falls, exposure, unexpected medical issues, and run-ins with animals like bison or bears.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 July 2026

Definition of unexpected

Adjective

Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.

— CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
The 61-year-old was treated in Greece for neck and shoulder injuries and friction burns, after a sudden cabin depressurization triggered oxygen masks and a rapid descent.

— Costas Kantouris, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

American fans will rue the fact that such a feel-good story ended in embarrassment on and off the field as a US president who loves the spotlight seized it at an inopportune time and then a promising team crashed out in the worst way possible.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Missing out on this opportunity would be more than inopportune.

— Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of inopportune

Browse Nearby Words

untimeliness

untimely

untired

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Style

“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untimely. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of untimely

adjective

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