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
1
: in time : opportunely
… the question was not … timely raised in the state court.—
W. O. Douglas
W. O. DouglasExamples 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
Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
More than half said payments are not made in a timely manner, and almost four in five reported having to constantly follow up to receive money that is contractually due.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Able to get things done on a timely basis.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Many of those deaths are preventable with timely, quality care, according to the report.
—Windsor Johnston, NPR, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for timely
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
The most important issue facing the county is ensuring that the felt needs of residents are prioritized, and that the community feels seen, heard and responded to through honest, timely communication.
—Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
More than half said payments are not made in a timely manner, and almost four in five reported having to constantly follow up to receive money that is contractually due.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Able to get things done on a timely basis.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Many of those deaths are preventable with timely, quality care, according to the report.
—Windsor Johnston, NPR, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for timely
Cite this Entry
“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
