opportune
Americanadjective
-
appropriate, favorable, or suitable.
an opportune phrase for the occasion.
- Synonyms:
- propitious, fortunate, apt
-
occurring or coming at an appropriate time; well-timed.
an opportune warning.
- Synonyms:
- convenient
adjective
-
occurring at a time that is suitable or advantageous
-
fit or suitable for a particular purpose or occurrence
Usage
What does opportune mean? Opportune means appropriate, favorable, or suitable for a particular situation or occasion. It can also mean coming at the right time. The terms timely and well-timed mean the same thing. Opportune is especially used in the phrases opportune moment and opportune time, meaning the moment that’s most suitable or favorable (for something to happen or be done). The opposite is inopportune, meaning inappropriate, inconvenient, or untimely, as in The audit was very inopportune—it came at the worst possible time. Example: I believe that now is the opportune time to bring out dessert.
Synonym Usage
Opportune, seasonable, timely refer to something that is particularly fitting or suitable for a certain time. Opportune refers to something that is well-timed and meets exactly the demands of the time or occasion: an opportune remark. Something that is seasonable is right or proper for the time or season or occasion: seasonable weather. Something that is timely occurs or is done at an appropriate time, especially in time to meet some need: timely intervention.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of opportune
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin opportūnus “convenient,” equivalent to op- op- + portu-, stem of portus “access,” port 1 + -nus adjective suffix ( u lengthened as in tribūnus tribune 1 )
Explanation
Use the adjective opportune to describe especially good timing. A snowstorm is an opportune time to make extra money shoveling your neighbor's driveway. You can see the word opportunity in opportune. Both words come from the Latin word opportunus, meaning "favorable," which itself is derived from a phrase that describes wind blowing toward a port. Just as the wind helps speed ships toward shore, something that is opportune offers favorable circumstances for accomplishing something or doing something.
Vocabulary lists containing opportune
The Book Thief
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100 SAT words Beginning with "O"
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Latin Love, Vol I: portare
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I asked Feliciano whether the Dodgers’ uncertainty might make this a particularly opportune time to buy the Padres.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026
IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said the visit marked "an opportune time for us to take stock of the progress made under the current program with the Argentine authorities."
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
Unlike homeowners, who can take their house off the market and wait for a more opportune time to sell, builders need to move inventory to keep their businesses profitable.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 16, 2026
Fery's athleticism is one of his greatest strengths, enabling him to keep points alive and come forward at opportune times.
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026
The job was an opportune beginning and a colossal relief.
From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
