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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.

Police said, even early in their investigation, they had started to pick up on inconsistencies in Nix's story about what happened to Andrea on the afternoon of 6 June 1978.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Core CPI sped up on a three-month seasonally adjusted basis, imported inflation accelerated and there are early signs of broadening price pressures, as evidenced by the increase in inflation pervasiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The list goes on, with Thomas Wilkins leading the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, acclaimed specialists in early music, new music and jazz with two more to be appointed for Latin music and film music.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Benchmark international oil prices, however, rose 2.8% in early trading at roughly $96 per barrel after the U.S. struck External link targets in Southern Iran on Monday evening.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

He was young, probably in his early twenties, and his eyes snapped angrily as he glared at Callaway.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

early

Example Sentences

Related Words