timely

[tahym-lee]

adjective

timelier, timeliest 

1. occurring at a suitable time; opportune; well-timed.

   Our priority is to identify threats against the U.S. and provide accurate, timely warnings.

2. occurring within an expected time frame; prompt.

   To ensure timely delivery, orders with multiple products may ship separately.

3. Archaic.,  early.

adverb

1. seasonably; opportunely.

2. Archaic.,  early or soon.

timely

/ ˈtaɪmlɪ /

adjective

1. at the right or an opportune or appropriate time

2. an archaic word for early

Other Word Forms

• timeliness noun
• pretimely adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of timely¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English tim(e)liche, Old English tīmlīce (adverb); time, -ly

Synonym Study

See opportune.

Example Sentences

Lord Mann, Sobel and Bool have called for "a thorough investigation into the conduct of all advisers and schemes involved" and "a fair and timely resolution to the decade-long tax dispute".

From BBC

"The relationship between this country and Australia was damaged, and so it's welcome that after Prime Minister Netanyahu's timely intervention that these actions have been taken by Australia's government," Mencer told reporters.

From BBC

Given the intense competition Newcastle faced for top targets, this feels like a timely appointment - even if recruitment will be just one aspect of Gopaladesikan's wide-ranging role.

From BBC

“We the People” is a timely and essential read.

From Los Angeles Times

The point was driven home for me by a scene in Percival Everett’s timely 2024 novel “James,” a rendition of Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” told from the perspective of the title character, an escaped slave.

From Salon

Related Words

• appropriate 
• convenient 
• prompt 
• proper 
• up-to-date 
• up-to-the-minute