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Showing results for early. Search instead for earldo.
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.

Pyongyang said it downed a drone carrying "surveillance equipment" in early January.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

One of the Gamecocks’ only interior presences, center Madina Okot, had three fouls early in the third quarter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

They opened an early lead and commanded the game throughout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Within months he had abandoned his studies early to campaign in 1990 elections, when Fidesz won 22 seats, with Viktor Orbán top of the party list.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

For the next three days Cato was at the Haarlem police station from early morning until curfew, pestering Dutch and Germans alike to let her see her husband.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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