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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of early
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Dec. 2024
In an early Christmas surprise, McCartney gifted fans at London's O2 Arena with a guest appearance from Starr, the famed drummer, and fellow British rocker Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones on Thursday night.
—Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Alex Sherman, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024
Nevertheless, the government could face an economically fraught default sometime early next year should the debt ceiling not be extended or addressed by Congress.
—Robert Costa, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for early 
Adjective
While millennials experienced leopard denim in the form of indie sleaze skinny jeans in the early 2000s Gen Z is taking the trend into a new direction with loose, slouchier fits.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Dec. 2024
In an early Christmas surprise, McCartney gifted fans at London's O2 Arena with a guest appearance from Starr, the famed drummer, and fellow British rocker Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones on Thursday night.
—Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Adverb
The Suns are following the lead of the Utah Jazz, which cut prices earlier this year.
—Alex Sherman, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024
Nevertheless, the government could face an economically fraught default sometime early next year should the debt ceiling not be extended or addressed by Congress.
—Robert Costa, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
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These microscopic fragments of ancient plants were found beneath the floor of a Mayan ballcourt in present day Mexico and collecting them was likely purposeful.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
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Its design is inspired by ancient Sun worship, as well as watchtowers that were once used to warn Chinese Emperors of seaborne attacks, and its curving form has been constructed from two layers of slanted concrete shells that echo the sound of the waves.Adam Williams, New Atlas, 25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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By helping to stabilize grids, utilizing surplus energy, and integrating with renewable sources, this technology is becoming an unexpected and vital part of the energy conversation.Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
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In an unexpected twist, the library features a small Japanese tea pavilion, constructed out of wood, bamboo, paper, clay, and stone.Laura Studarus, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
Adverb
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That's the situation Diego Diaz, a radiologic technologist specializing in MRIs and X-rays in New York City has found himself in before when a scan has picked up a problem that's immediately clear to see.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
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Everything Blake Lively Claims in Complaint Against Justin Baldoni: Unwanted Kissing, Watching Her Naked and Smear Campaign WME did not comment when reached by PEOPLE, and a representative for Baldoni did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.Bailey Richards, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024
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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The study found that air pollution linked to data centers could contribute to as many as 1,300 premature deaths and billions of dollars in health costs in the U.S. each year by 2030 if tech companies don't use cleaner power.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
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Breathing in ozone pollution or smog can lead to chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma and even cause premature death.Susan Miller, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Today, the caverns hold evidence of both the Maya and the people who inhabited the region before them, as well as the fossils of prehistoric megafauna.Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Dec. 2024
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These are prehistoric mammal relatives that lived during the Permian period (around 299-252 million years ago) of Earth's history.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Also, this expenditure seems trivial compared to your wife's sudden need for surgery to fix a medical problem.Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
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Steph Curry’s two miraculous 3s in the final 12.2 seconds pulled the Warriors into a sudden tie.Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Adverb
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His departure was precipitated by his decision to tear up a power- sharing deal with the SNP's junior coalition partner, the Scottish Greens, who promptly responded by backing a vote of no confidence in him.The Week UK, theweek, 25 Dec. 2024
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The Diamondbacks then traded to pick up All-Star Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians, who promptly filled their new first base vacancy by signing free agent Carlos Santana to a one-year, $12 million deal.Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near early
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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