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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.

Current evidence suggests the site was established in the early 2nd century CE.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

He left early to move his hearse: apparently musical Five Timers only get their parking validated for 15 minutes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

It all started in early March when Pulido’s opponent suggested the Democrat was better suited to entertain at parties than serve in Congress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The ethical question was a factor in Maven's early years, when Google was the program's original AI contractor.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Eighteen Jews were staying there, most of them in their early twenties.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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