timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē 

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 court

—W. O. Douglas

2

archaic : early, soon

Synonyms

Adjective

• opportune
• seasonable
• well-timed

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

Adjective

This could jeopardize the timely issuance of extreme weather watches and warnings. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025

There is also widespread agreement that the core purpose of the discovery law — full and timely disclosure to defendants — should be fully protected and preserved. —Jane Manning, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025

The play, about two estranged brothers fighting for their slice of the American Dream on the fringes of the Southern California desert, couldn’t be more timely. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

The season debut of Sliders — a weekly tribute to the timely and the timeless — feels like a good time to highlight some of our favorites. —Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for timely

• sublimely
• untimely

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