timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce timely (audio)
timelier; timeliest
Synonyms of timelynext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Cash all checks received in a timely manner (including cashier’s checks and money orders). Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 31 Jan. 2026 For a team that aspires to make a playoff run, the second-half surge was timely. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026 This film presents a timely, global issue by intertwining it with a deeply personal experience and the hope that young love inspires. John Hopewell, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026 Specifically, prosecutors are examining whether Deutsche Bank failed to file suspicious activity reports in a timely manner—a violation that German regulators have treated with increasing severity. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for timely

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of timely was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on timely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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