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
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Directed by Mark Williams (Ozark, The Accountant) and written by Mark Edwin Robinson, the Zero Gravity Management production follows Hal Donaldson, a journalist shaped by early hardship who believes his voice is his path forward.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
But after the 2014 Rock Hall inductee once again took aim at rap being included in the HOF earlier this week, the Hard Rhymer provided the God of Thunder with a little history lesson on what rocks, and what rolls.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for early
Adjective
There were several earlier hints of the Bucks not willing to move on Antetokounmpo by Thursday’s deadline, including the two transactions cited below.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Directed by Mark Williams (Ozark, The Accountant) and written by Mark Edwin Robinson, the Zero Gravity Management production follows Hal Donaldson, a journalist shaped by early hardship who believes his voice is his path forward.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
The launch came 8 hours and 42 minutes after the Falcon Heavy launch from nearby KSC earlier in the day.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
But after the 2014 Rock Hall inductee once again took aim at rap being included in the HOF earlier this week, the Hard Rhymer provided the God of Thunder with a little history lesson on what rocks, and what rolls.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
-
First physical evidence found in ancient vessel causes 'immense excitement'.—
,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
This ancient grain is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins (such as magnesium), which can aid digestion and support heart health.—
Ashia Aubourg,
Outside,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
From familiar faces to unexpected challengers, here’s who’s running for Senate and Congress.—
Kurtcia Collazo,
IndyStar,
9 Feb. 2026
-
His Penguins are making an unexpected romp toward the Stanley Cup playoffs in a season they were expected to finish near the bottom of the NHL standings.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The community of Tumbler Ridge, which has a population of about 2,400 people, is reeling and working together to support those immediately affected by the shootings.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Northstar’s media contact number has been deactivated and an email to the resort was not immediately returned.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Initially, these are very primitive – buy coffee, take a photo of a receipt in a cafe.—
Daria Tarasova-Markina,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Later on, as some of the brightest extended objects visible with even the most primitive of telescopes, planetary nebulae are numerous and prominent in the catalogues of astronomers, with the first ones spotted way back in the 1700s.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Broadus' infant daughter, Codi, died earlier this month, after suffering several health complications following a premature birth.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Fertilizer may trigger a premature growth spurt, too.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Owen doesn't recommend using these for cut roses, and warns that, used in inappropriate amounts, such mixtures can kill your cut roses prematurely.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
-
But when Mickey is cloned prematurely, resulting in multiple Mickeys, both Mickeys find themselves in danger of extermination.—
Ilana Gordon,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The new research focused on three Prototaxites fossils unearthed in the Rhynie chert, a prehistoric land ecosystem near Aberdeen, Scotland.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
-
With previous showstoppers such as The Blooming of the Mosasaurs—a bold blue ensemble inspired by a prehistoric marine reptile whose fossils have been discovered in Angola, Africa, as well as in Louisiana—Zulu plans every suit to be his best one yet.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Instead of analyzing every detail in a scene, the human brain quickly detects sudden motion or change and reacts first.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Demand for cross-border relocation, residency planning and citizenship consultancy services is being driven by geopolitical tensions and sudden policy shifts, advisers who work with ultra-high-net-worth clients told CNBC.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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