timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce timely (audio)
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

timely

2 of 2

adverb

1
: in time : opportunely
the question was not … timely raised in the state courtW. 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
The Knicks controlled the game, behind timely offense and defense. Jacob Lev, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 Employee layoffs at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could impact the timely return of tax refunds and other services, experts have said. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Warner’s studio produced timely films that mirrored the mores of the era and, as a result, cemented his film company as a successful and courageous studio by finding success through strong moral footing. Chris Yogerst / Made By History, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025 Billed as a timely gripping portrait of resilience, the film explores the complexities of motherhood, societal expectations, and personal sacrifice. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025 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 12 Mar. 2025.

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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