at the earliest
idiom
—used to indicate the earliest possible time when something will happen or be done
The job will not be finished until next year at the (very) earliest.
Examples of at the earliest in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The most notable blow to the defense was the loss of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson on Oct. 13, when the Pro Bowler endured a serious leg injury that will keep him out until the NFC Championship game at the earliest.
—
Sean Treppedi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
While Trump cannot act on these plans until Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025, at the earliest, immigrant rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have been preparing for his return for months and are vowing to fight the operation in the courts.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
No precipitation was expected in the Baltimore area until Thursday at the earliest.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 4 Nov. 2024
The bureau does not expect to revisit its logging plan for Oregon’s Coast Range until 2028 at the earliest.
—April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024
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Sean Treppedi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
While Trump cannot act on these plans until Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025, at the earliest, immigrant rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have been preparing for his return for months and are vowing to fight the operation in the courts.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
No precipitation was expected in the Baltimore area until Thursday at the earliest.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 4 Nov. 2024
The bureau does not expect to revisit its logging plan for Oregon’s Coast Range until 2028 at the earliest.
—April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for at the earliest
Dictionary Entries Near at the earliest
Cite this Entry
“At the earliest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20earliest. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
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