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
While last year’s migration was delayed owing to a lack of timely rainfall, the crabs appear to have roared back to life this year. Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 There is a stronger case to be made that the existing Senate confirmation system, even with McConnell’s 2019 reforms, is too cumbersome to timely staff a new presidential administration at the sub-cabinet level. The Editors, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024 The company identified a material weakness in its internal controls over financial reporting due to improper segregation of duties and inadequate processes for timely recording of significant events. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024 In today’s newsletter, getting to know the director Marielle Heller, and then: A timely triennial of Latino art Donald Trump’s U.F.C. victory party Can A.I. improve our conversations? Emily Nussbaum, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near timely

Cite this Entry

“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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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