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Definitions

early

[ur-lee] / ˈɜr li /
ADJECTIVE
in the beginning
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fresh initial new previous recent
WEAK
a bit previous aboriginal ancient antecedent antediluvian antiquated brand-new budding early bird original preceding premier prevenient primal prime primeval primitive primordial prior pristine proleptical raw undeveloped young
Antonyms
STRONGEST
future old worn
WEAK
late later
ADJECTIVE
in the early part of the morning
Synonyms
STRONGEST
daybreak early morning first blush first flush of morning first light
WEAK
matinal
ADJECTIVE
sooner than expected
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beforehand briefly directly immediately prematurely previous promptly quick shortly soon too soon unexpectedly
STRONG
betimes
WEAK
a bit previous ahead of time anon bright and early early bird ere long far ahead in advance in good time in the bud in time on short notice on the dot oversoon pronto proximately
Antonyms
WEAK
late later
ADVERB
sooner than expected
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beforehand immediate previous quick soon
WEAK
advanced ahead of time anticipative anticipatory before the appointed time direct immature on short notice on the dot overearly oversoon preceding precipitant precocious preexistent premature prompt pronto punctual seasonable speedy unanticipated unexpected untimely with time to spare
Antonyms
WEAK
late later
ADVERB
immediately
Synonyms
STRONGEST
directly first promptly recently right away soon timely
STRONG
betimes
WEAK
at once freshly in a jiffy in an instant in no time instantaneously instantly newly presto primitively seasonably straightaway summarily thereon thereupon without delay
Antonyms
STRONGEST
later
WEAK
late

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The study also suggests that the Southern Ocean looked very different during this early stage.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Motegi called for "an early de-escalation" and "urged Iran to engage sincerely with the diplomatic efforts currently underway among the relevant countries".

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The yen consolidated against other G-10 and Asian currencies in early trade, but may weaken amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

There are also early signs of something worse.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Elliot was always obnoxiously early to everything, so where was he?

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.