lately

adverb

late·​ly ˈlāt-lē 

: of late : recently

has been friendlier lately

Synonyms of lately

• recently
• late
• newly
• now
• just

Examples of lately in a Sentence

He has been feeling better lately.

Lately, she has been worrying about her son.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yes, major-league sell-offs create minor-league additions, and nobody’s added talent lately quite like the Mets’ Double-A affiliate. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

The inning was not the norm lately for the Padres, who have been highly dependent on home runs lately and have had relative difficulty with runners in scoring position. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

It’s been hot in Pasadena lately, and according to Cat Chen, the best way to deal with the heat is simple—have your friends over, keep the AC running, and serve a refreshing menu alongside a crisp white wine. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026

That lately has been a challenge for municipalities that count on buying salt through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, only to be left out in the cold. — Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lately

• Johnny-come-lately

Rhymes for lately

• innately
• ornately
• pinnately
• sedately
• greatly
• stately
• precipitately

Kids Definition

lately

adverb

late·​ly ˈlāt-lē 

: not long ago