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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.

Consider: In 2025, the number of measles cases in the U.S. hit their highest levels since the early 1990s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The injury occurred early in the second quarter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, 100 investigators entered homes and offices across three counties and removed computers, hard drives and crypto assets.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

"Coal's true cost is being hidden in hospitals and in early graves," Moyo told AFP in a phone interview, dismissing the government's argument that the delay is for economic reasons.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

It was early winter and the ice on the lake wasn’t thick enough to support the sled and team or I would have gone across the middle.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen