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 Sentences
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Recent Examples of early
Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Many remember nostalgically the stars of the early Reagan years: James Baker as chief of staff, Caspar Weinberger as secretary of defense, and the wunderkind David Stockman as director of the Office of Management and Budget.
—Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 6 Jan. 2025
The bride and groom arrived at the castle a week early to prepare the property for their nuptials.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for early 
Adjective
And in the early, idealistic years of the folk revival, Yarrow, Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers (who died in 2009) strummed and harmonized their way toward that conscientious balance of folk and pop.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Many remember nostalgically the stars of the early Reagan years: James Baker as chief of staff, Caspar Weinberger as secretary of defense, and the wunderkind David Stockman as director of the Office of Management and Budget.
—Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Adverb
Houston took a 41-22 lead early in the second quarter after Rockets backup center Steven Adams grabbed his second of seven offensive rebounds of the game for a putback dunk.
—Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 6 Jan. 2025
The bride and groom arrived at the castle a week early to prepare the property for their nuptials.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
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As in the novel the story is based on, the events kick off with the Yellow Turban Rebellion, which was a revolt during the late Eastern Han dynasty of ancient China.Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2025
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Suddenly, with nearly all China’s ancient sites trammelled by the rush to modernization, the Chinese have grown nostalgic for their history.Han Ong, The New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Still, the existence of both shows, and the longevity of Grace and Frankie, spoke to an unexpected side effect of the streaming revolution: With no advertisers to appease (at least not in the 2010s), demographics became meaningless.Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025
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The emo band’s sophomore album took an unexpected turn towards shoegaze and post-punk that has become revered by fans.Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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That photographer also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
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Davis Webb, Broncos quarterbacks coach Webb immediately got into coaching in 2023 after choosing to end his career as an NFL journeyman quarterback, and his work with Broncos rookie Bo Nix this season has gained notice across the league.Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
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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Every year, air pollution contributes to millions of asthma emergency room visits around the world and hundreds of thousands of premature deaths in the US.Ignacio Calderon, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
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Issues such as premature attachment to a denture, inadequate bone support, or improper angulation can all increase the risk of failure.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Studies involving these prehistoric creatures often rely on teeth above all else; a durable enamel coating helps teeth fossilize reliably, although enamel thickness differs among dinosaur species.Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 1 Jan. 2025
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Of course, there is no direct information on prehistoric fighting styles, so van Dijk and Mors relied on basic biomechanics of combat movements with similar weapons detailed in historic manuals.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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There are even grief counselors and social workers who specialize in sudden loss.Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
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Her sister shared that while Hill-Wolfskill’s sudden and unexpected passing has been difficult, the family finds comfort in the lasting legacy of service her younger sister leaves behind.J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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He was promptly stopped by Corey Anderson in his next fight and then lost a unanimous decision to Nikita Krylov.Brian Mazique, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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Whelton says utilities can help alleviate people's exposure and health concerns by flushing the water systems promptly, testing the water repeatedly, and communicating problems and timelines with the public.Pien Huang, NPR, 11 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near early
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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