as in early
before the usual or expected time
a baby born three weeks prematurely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of prematurely
This emphasis on wholesome working-class respectability is heedless of the ’60s rushing toward them, a decade that, by 1958, the other counselors have prematurely embraced.
—
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
Uneven moisture can cause fruit to drop prematurely, so maintain even soil moisture through the fruiting season.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
Now, the handmade teddy bear has become a sentimental keepsake for the growing family, marking the beginning of a new chapter — especially after their daughter, Avery, arrived prematurely and faced a long stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Eric Clapton prematurely ended a recent show in Madrid, Spain after he was struck by an object thrown by someone in the crowd.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 13 May 2026
The county prematurely ended a contract with a jail staffing agency without publicly giving the reason.
—Rachel Royster
may 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Under oxidative stress, harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly damage cellular DNA, causing cells to age prematurely.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026
Don't stir or scrape up any parts of the dish prematurely.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
Going forward, decant items into air-tight containers or store some things (like bread) in the fridge or freezer to avoid spoiling prematurely.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
Uneven moisture can cause fruit to drop prematurely, so maintain even soil moisture through the fruiting season.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
Now, the handmade teddy bear has become a sentimental keepsake for the growing family, marking the beginning of a new chapter — especially after their daughter, Avery, arrived prematurely and faced a long stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Eric Clapton prematurely ended a recent show in Madrid, Spain after he was struck by an object thrown by someone in the crowd.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 13 May 2026
The county prematurely ended a contract with a jail staffing agency without publicly giving the reason.
—Rachel Royster
may 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Under oxidative stress, harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly damage cellular DNA, causing cells to age prematurely.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026
Don't stir or scrape up any parts of the dish prematurely.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
Going forward, decant items into air-tight containers or store some things (like bread) in the fridge or freezer to avoid spoiling prematurely.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prematurely
early
Adverb
-
Holding court with reporters earlier this week, Gerrit Cole went over why the Yankees’ upcoming series-opener against the Rays would be so important.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
-
Three Rock rises to the occasion But the members of Three Rock are eager to prove their mettle, especially Hartman (Simon Auclair), whose jealousy over Ace's graduation earlier this season left him with a massive chip on his shoulder.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prematurely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prematurely. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
