1
as in ancient
relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period
early birds of the Jurassic period
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unexpected
occurring before the usual or expected time
we had an early dinner so as not to miss the concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in immediately
before the usual or expected time
that year spring arrived early
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of early
arkansasonline.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Monster mash Monster Hunter Wilds‘ selection of critters is among the series’ best, with fantastic variety even in early, low-rank hunts.
—Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
Amy McGorry, Fox News, 23 Feb. 2025
Yes, but: A city attorney earlier this month told the council that Cantrell believes the city can't afford to pay the lawsuit settlement and wants to renegotiate, reports The Times-Picayune.
—Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Adjective
In a motion to reconsider an earlier voice vote on the matter, 33 Republicans and all of the House's Democrats said no thanks.
—arkansasonline.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Monster mash Monster Hunter Wilds‘ selection of critters is among the series’ best, with fantastic variety even in early, low-rank hunts.
—Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
Adverb
For example, an individual who is categorized as a Lion should try to tackle large projects, important meetings or social activities earlier in the morning, when their tendency is to be most energetic and productive, the expert said.
—Amy McGorry, Fox News, 23 Feb. 2025
Yes, but: A city attorney earlier this month told the council that Cantrell believes the city can't afford to pay the lawsuit settlement and wants to renegotiate, reports The Times-Picayune.
—Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
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Researchers in London recently uncovered a 2,000-year-old structure that once served as the hub of the bustling ancient city.—
Greta Cross,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the plesiosaur is considered a successful marine predatory ancient species.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Trump's unexpected rejection of the Senate's plan stunned Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), who had carefully structured the two-bill strategy to secure early wins for the White House.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
20 Feb. 2025
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There may be many unexpected effects of repeal that might require revision to plans and documents.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Adverb
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Neither official, however, is leaving politics immediately.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Da Silva immediately cautioned Tanasijević with a yellow and Messi applauded the decision.—
Felipe Cardenas,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Houde said these mammoth animals are a primitive group of proboscideans ('elephantoids') from which modern elephants evolved.—
Joseph J. Kolb,
Fox News,
18 July 2017
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Many are primitive and remote, and don’t have restrooms or water.—
OregonLive.com,
OregonLive.com,
12 July 2017
Adjective
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This was premature, given the Football Association (FA) deals with disciplinary matters.—
Eduardo Tansley,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
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Analysts say jumping into this commitment would be premature for Tesla, based on their current price points.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Its reimagining acquires a true crime edge: as individual dinosaur remains unearthed by dinosaur hunters, thanks to cutting-edge science, experts work out how these prehistoric creatures lived, hunted, fought and died more accurately than ever before.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2025
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The Musée de Préhistoire de Terra Amata was built on a prehistoric site near the old port dating back 400,000 years.—
Alison Gregor,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Release date, cast, more Queen Latifah, Adrien Brody, Kerry Washington, more stars flock to Thom Browne's NYFW show 'Really bummed out:' Beverly Ortega explains sudden departure from 'The Bachelor' When is WorldPride Music Festival 2025?—
Anthony Robledo,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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At least one judge has already found that the administration did defy his order on the reversal of the wide-ranging and sudden federal funding freeze.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
Adverb
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They were promptly disqualified, as Ben Golliver of The Washington Post reports.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
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Casino magnate Steve Wynn promptly trumped the president and gave $1 million to the club as did two other billionaires.—
Richard Johnson,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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