timely

[tahym-lee]

adjective

timelier, timeliest 

1. occurring at a suitable time; opportune; well-timed.

   Our priority is to identify threats against the U.S. and provide accurate, timely warnings.

2. occurring within an expected time frame; prompt.

   To ensure timely delivery, orders with multiple products may ship separately.

3. Archaic.,  early.

adverb

1. seasonably; opportunely.

2. Archaic.,  early or soon.

timely

/ ˈtaɪmlɪ /

adjective

1. at the right or an opportune or appropriate time

2. an archaic word for early

Other Word Forms

• timeliness noun
• pretimely adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of timely¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English tim(e)liche, Old English tīmlīce (adverb); time, -ly

Synonym Study

See opportune.

Example Sentences

He was impressive in taking a timely 2-27, with Jofra Archer sure to take one of the pace bowling spots when England name their first World Cup XI.

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This VTW self-help option will help you to have federal taxes withheld timely, reducing the potential of owing federal taxes at the end of the tax year,” the agency said.

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Noting the show’s timely themes, Times television critic Robert Lloyd called it a “perfectly decent, good-hearted, unsurprisingly sentimental miniseries” in his review.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The spokesperson said the government was introducing Neighbourhood Health Services in communities, which would "work in partnership with family hubs, schools, nurseries and colleges to offer timely support to children, young people and their families".

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But supply chains had not fully stabilised, with bureaucratic delays and selective approval still preventing many firms from ensuring timely access to the materials -- even before China expanded its restrictions.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• appropriate 
• convenient 
• prompt 
• proper 
• up-to-date 
• up-to-the-minute