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 trio, who had hits like Scandalous and One Night Stand, helped make the UK garage sound go mainstream, alongside the likes of Craig David, in the early 2000s.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

In early trading on Thursday, SpaceX stock was trading at $164 on Hyperliquid, a cryptocurrency platform for trading perpetual futures—or futures that never expire.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

If you are planning on visiting a national park, the National Parks Conservation Association recommends visiting mid-week and arriving early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Once more, the youthful San Antonio Spurs were capitalizing on early ineptitude.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Some people have been there all day, from early morning until now, just as night is falling.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

early

Example Sentences

Related Words