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untimely

adjective

Definition of untimelynext
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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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 Letter writer finds even the relationship with other siblings hard to manage after sister’s untimely death. — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2026 Fields’ final drive of the evening showcased his athleticism but came with an untimely reminder of what has held him back as a starter. — Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026 The untimely death of Hayden Panettiere, a onetime child star who soared to fame while navigating addiction and postpartum depression in her adult life, came just months after the beloved actor described feeling ready to start over. — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 More details about Hayden Panettiere’s plans to visit her daughter have emerged three days after the actress’s untimely death. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for untimely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untimely
  1. early
  2. premature
  3. unexpected
  4. sudden
  5. inopportune
Adjective
  • In the early stage of the trip, the twin-engine jets headed for Alaska and passed over Greenland, where an Airbus A400M support plane capable of landing on ice was stationed.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers discuss results, challenge assumptions, simplify arguments, and connect discoveries with earlier work.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of early
Adjective
  • Going to the Super Lig felt like a big, and probably premature, step down.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The commission, in court documents, maintains ABC’s lawsuit was premature because regulators simply were in the process of reviewing whether ABC has served the public interest in operating its eight television stations.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of premature
Adjective
  • Piker reacted with surprise and amusement to his unexpected appearance during a livestream.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Despite the richness of color, everything feels beautifully cohesive, a design language that is fresh, considered, and full of unexpected details.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of unexpected
Adjective
  • The scene cuts to Sally and Gillian, who both come to a sudden awareness of Franny’s ultimate act of selflessness.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The administration’s justification for these orders is a statute that allows the Department of Energy (DOE) to declare an emergency in the case of wartime or a sudden shortfall in generation.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of sudden
Adjective
  • Stanford went 5 of 15 on third down and was hampered by a slew of inopportune penalties that Miami capitalized on.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • It won’t be redeveloped due to its inopportune location set between two sets of railroad tracks, Smith said.
    — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of inopportune

Browse Nearby Words

untimeliness
untimely
untired
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untimely. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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