Showing results for early. Search instead for earplu.

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 bizarre social system from which Sparta derived its strength goes back to its early history.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

All of this raises a more fundamental question about where power lay in devolved Scottish politics between late 2014 and early 2023.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1, and emergency officials across coastal states are still urging residents and travelers to prepare early rather than assume a quieter forecast guarantees safety.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal to end the war with Iran could materialise as early as Monday, while President Donald Trump tempered expectations.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

But there was altogether too much coming and going, especially in the early evening.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

early

Example Sentences

Related Words