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
Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Executive function is crucial for learning and academic success, a variety of research has shown, and the gender gap in when children develop these skills explains much of the achievement gap in early elementary school.
—Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 May 2025
During a heat wave, the American Kennel Club said, walk your dog early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and pavement is less likely to burn their paws.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Adjective
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a crucial offseason this year following an early exit from the postseason.
—Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Executive function is crucial for learning and academic success, a variety of research has shown, and the gender gap in when children develop these skills explains much of the achievement gap in early elementary school.
—Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Adverb
In Jakarta earlier this week, Macron and his counterpart Prabowo Subianto signed a preliminary defense pact that could see Indonesia purchase more French weaponry, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 May 2025
During a heat wave, the American Kennel Club said, walk your dog early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and pavement is less likely to burn their paws.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
-
It’s all designed to try to persuade visitors that the biblical story was literally true — that an ancient Noah really could have built such a sophisticated ship.—
Peter Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2025
-
Scientists have discovered a huge spike in radiocarbon levels 14,300 years ago by analyzing ancient tree-rings.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
But during the appearance, an unexpected guest also got some attention from those gathered below!—
Jillian Frankel,
People.com,
27 May 2025
-
In the middle of a seven-minute piece interpreted in an appropriately serious manner, Urie elicited unexpected giggles from the audience.—
Daniel Vaillancourt,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
Adverb
-
Trump suspends refugee program for most, except Afrikaners Upon taking office, Trump immediately suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and ordered most potential refugees to remain in other countries.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
Infantino wanted the winner of the Club World Cup to earn even more than the winners of the UEFA Champions League and to be able to unveil a figure that immediately captured the world’s attention.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Houde said these mammoth animals are a primitive group of proboscideans ('elephantoids') from which modern elephants evolved.—
Joseph J. Kolb,
Fox News,
18 July 2017
-
Many are primitive and remote, and don’t have restrooms or water.—
OregonLive.com,
OregonLive.com,
12 July 2017
Adjective
-
The premature leaf drop brought on by hot, dry weather is most pronounced on large-leafed, fast-growing shade trees such as cottonwoods, silver maples, catalpas, sycamores and mulberries, among others.—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 May 2025
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The zero-emission requirements were expected to eliminate nearly 70,000 tons of smog-forming emissions and 4,500 tons of soot statewide by 2040, preventing more than 1,200 premature deaths and providing $13 billion in public health benefits, according to the California Air Resources Board.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
The obvious difference is the lack of a coastal element, as Sand Valley’s courses are spread across 12,000 acres of prehistoric sand dunes.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
Beneath the surface of Warm Mineral Springs, divers have discovered prehistoric remains dating back 10,000 years.—
Sean Kingsley,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
This would create an inherent instability in the market in the event of sudden price movements or unexpected macroeconomic news.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
As guests hurried into the building to escape the sudden downpour — with a few leaving early, uncertain about how the rest of the day would unfold — Ashley had to think on her feet.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
25 May 2025
Adverb
-
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in small containers.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
-
Assad promptly fled to his new life in exile in Moscow.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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