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
Here’s a look at the earliest, latest and average last 100-degree day recorded across the state since 1940, according to data from the National Weather Service.
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Austin American Statesman, 1 Aug. 2025
Construction of the Music City Loop will begin Fall 2025 and is expected to be operational by Fall 2026, at the earliest.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 30 July 2025
According to Vitek, the first residences are still a few years out at the earliest, with planning is still ongoing.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Then, the agency would begin withholding 50% of recipients' benefits until the overpayment is repaid (after approximately July 24, at the earliest).
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the earliest
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Austin American Statesman, 1 Aug. 2025
Construction of the Music City Loop will begin Fall 2025 and is expected to be operational by Fall 2026, at the earliest.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 30 July 2025
According to Vitek, the first residences are still a few years out at the earliest, with planning is still ongoing.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Then, the agency would begin withholding 50% of recipients' benefits until the overpayment is repaid (after approximately July 24, at the earliest).
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 5 Aug. 2025.
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