1
as in ancient
relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period
early birds of the Jurassic period
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unexpected
occurring before the usual or expected time
we had an early dinner so as not to miss the concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in immediately
before the usual or expected time
that year spring arrived early
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of early
Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Syphilis is back on the rise across the United States after being nearly eliminated in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
—Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
The Chase and Higgins signings nonetheless exemplify the power of Burrow, who remained adamant this offseason about not only retaining his former LSU teammate Chase but also Higgins, who received the franchise tag for the second straight year earlier this month.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Adjective
But on Friday, California’s Second Appellate District reversed that ruling under a California law that allows for the early dismissal of claims intended to chill free speech.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Syphilis is back on the rise across the United States after being nearly eliminated in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
—Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025
Adverb
In Florida, Republican Senator Jonathan Martin introduced Senate Bill 852 after Governor Ron DeSantis expressed on X earlier this year his support for eliminating property taxes entirely.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
The Chase and Higgins signings nonetheless exemplify the power of Burrow, who remained adamant this offseason about not only retaining his former LSU teammate Chase but also Higgins, who received the franchise tag for the second straight year earlier this month.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
-
Perseverance discovered this rock on March 11 on the rim of the Jezero Crater, an ancient lakebed that the rover has been exploring since 2021 for signs of past microbial life.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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In Live Fruit Flies By Ian Randall Deputy Science Editor Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 Paleontologists have discovered a disturbing new species of ancient wasp that restrained its prey using its Venus flytrap-like abdomen before laying eggs in the victim.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In 2002, Amazon required every executive to master an unexpected skill: writing press releases for products that didn’t yet exist.—
Daniel Lotzof,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
JuJu Watkins is receiving love from unexpected places.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, but his identity wasn’t immediately released.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2025
-
From April 16 to 25, players can transfer and be immediately eligible in the fall.—
Jenna West,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Houde said these mammoth animals are a primitive group of proboscideans ('elephantoids') from which modern elephants evolved.—
Joseph J. Kolb,
Fox News,
18 July 2017
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Many are primitive and remote, and don’t have restrooms or water.—
OregonLive.com,
OregonLive.com,
12 July 2017
Adjective
-
But lifting Western sanctions is premature—Russia must take steps first.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
18 Mar. 2025
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Similarly to wood, paper towels can eventually etch tears into leather, causing premature wear and tear.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The bear's remains provide a glimpse into the region's prehistoric fauna and climatic conditions.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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These megafauna ate prehistoric avocados whole, spreading the pits—and, as a consequence, the fruits—across the region.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
For instance, regulatory decisions in major economies, such as the United States, China, and Europe, can trigger sudden and dramatic price swings.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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At least one state public health official is worried that the sudden loss in funding will hurt their state’s grasp of the virus.—
Ross O'Keefe,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
26 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
With the 100% withholding rule back, anyone who receives an overpayment notice should promptly contact SSA.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
-
If guests are seated promptly, the kitchen doesn’t have to struggle with overcooking or items becoming cold, as everything is timed perfectly.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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