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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.

—In early European trading, Brent crude slipped 0.5% to $98.87 a barrel, while WTI was down 1.5% to $97.56 a barrel, though a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz keeps crude elevated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

A breakthrough early in the investigation when Staffordshire Police recovered DNA from a burglary, helped identify those involved.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The number of potholes in L.A. jumped early this year after an intense rainy season soaked the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

According to data from commodities tracking firm Kpler analysed by AFP, Iran has exported an average of about 1.8 million barrels of crude per day by sea since early March.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

By dawn’s early light, Lloyd rode Siren into the crick to give her a drink.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck