timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē 

timelier; timeliest

1

: coming early or at the right time

a timely decision

timely payment

2

: appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion

a timely book

timeliness noun

timely

2 of 2

adverb

1

: in time : opportunely

the question was not … timely raised in the state court

—W. O. Douglas

2

archaic : early, soon

Synonyms

Adjective

• opportune
• seasonable
• well-timed

Examples of timely in a Sentence

Adjective

Her very timely book examines the effects of global warming on the world's climates.

She always responds to my requests in a timely fashion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

And yet, there’s nothing exceptionally timely about Say Nothing’s subject matter. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024

So can food plots, especially those planted with timely species. —Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024

Those agents can overprice homes, mess with marketing, or fail to book timely showings. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024

Innovative software solutions now offer real-time data integration and processing capabilities that empower businesses to make timely decisions based on the most current information available. —Naveen Singh, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

timely

adjective

time·​ly

ˈtīm-lē

timelier; timeliest

1

: coming early or at the right time

2

: especially suitable for the time

a timely book

timeliness noun

Legal Definition

timely

adjective

time·​ly

ˈtīm-lē

: falling within a prescribed or reasonable time

timely notice

timeliness noun

timely adverb