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

This allows businesses to predict when affluent shoppers are most likely to make a purchase and present them with timely, personalized discounts. —Rhett Power, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Advertisement The consent decree requires close monitoring of staff abuse and retaliation, medical care, the application of early release credits and the timely release of inmates to halfway houses. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024

These lady friendly jams provide a timely change of pace and serve as a testament to his versatility beyond regurgitating mere criminal fodder. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Dec. 2024

The most practical course is to timely sentence Trump to a fine. —Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 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