1
as in ancient
relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period
early birds of the Jurassic period
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unexpected
occurring before the usual or expected time
we had an early dinner so as not to miss the concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in immediately
before the usual or expected time
that year spring arrived early
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples of early in a Sentence
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Recent Examples on the Web
Erin Doherty, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024
As the calendar moves away from the frantic sports equinox, the NBA stands to gain more attention for its early season action with its annual trip to Mexico.
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
And don't forget to check back here early and often for the most up-to-date deals.
—Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for early 
Adjective
Between the lines: Pennsylvania does not have statewide in-person early voting.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024
As the calendar moves away from the frantic sports equinox, the NBA stands to gain more attention for its early season action with its annual trip to Mexico.
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Adverb
In the three months ended Sept. 30, Trump Media lost $19.2 million, with revenue falling 5.6% to just $1.01 million from a year earlier.
—Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
And don't forget to check back here early and often for the most up-to-date deals.
—Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
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Scientists found mummies covered in ancient cheese By Rachel Feltman Scientists recently found some cheese that’s been developing its funk for a little bit longer than usual: 3,500 years or so.Popular Science Staff, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
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The buck proved to be a seven-pointer, an ancient fellow with a main beam of twenty-eight inches, and a spread of thirty-two.Jack O’Connor, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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However, unexpected surprises and miscommunications with a friend or a group could make things go south in a New York minute.Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
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The bigger issue is Johnson, who once upon a time was such a promising leading actor, a mountain of a man capable of embodying unexpected vulnerability.Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Adverb
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Only one person has taken her up on the snack, and immediately regretted doing so.Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
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The depth of feeling for the actor by his peers and fans became immediately evident when the League’s initial announcement that only some venues would dim their lights was met with massive backlash from the community.Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Houde said these mammoth animals are a primitive group of proboscideans ('elephantoids') from which modern elephants evolved.Joseph J. Kolb, Fox News, 18 July 2017
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Many are primitive and remote, and don’t have restrooms or water.OregonLive.com, OregonLive.com, 12 July 2017
Adjective
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Perhaps Starboard could do without the occasional asides about removing CEOs at other companies, which ended up getting misquoted and misconstrued into highly disrespectful, unwarranted, and premature calls for Bourla’s removal.Owen Tripp, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024
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Buchan complicates things further with the premature release of Eddie (Barry Sloane), Katie’s father who’s served just half his ten-year sentence for the vicious beating of fracking site owner Jim (David Threlfall).Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Uncle Jack Cassidy lives on the island which is filled with new dinosaur species, giant insects and prehistoric amphibians.Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
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Godzilla: Dressing up as a prehistoric dinosaurian monster never gets old.Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Overall, this has led to a sudden surge in inventory in both Austin and Texas in general.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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The reasons why election watchers may see sudden changes in Kamala Harris' or Donald Trump's standing in the most competitive states is largely influenced by two factors: how absentee ballots are processed and the population density of an area.Graham Kates, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024
Adverb
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Be sure to follow up promptly after conferences to make the most of networking opportunities.Leigh Cuen, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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Abbie Doctor, an aesthetics nurse living in Gloucester, England, caught the bizarre moment her cat, Chewie, brought a live mouse into the house, and promptly brought it for something to eat.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near early
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
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