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
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Recent Examples of early
Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Executive function is crucial for learning and academic success, a variety of research has shown, and the gender gap in when children develop these skills explains much of the achievement gap in early elementary school.
—Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 May 2025
During a heat wave, the American Kennel Club said, walk your dog early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and pavement is less likely to burn their paws.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Adjective
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a crucial offseason this year following an early exit from the postseason.
—Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Executive function is crucial for learning and academic success, a variety of research has shown, and the gender gap in when children develop these skills explains much of the achievement gap in early elementary school.
—Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Adverb
In Jakarta earlier this week, Macron and his counterpart Prabowo Subianto signed a preliminary defense pact that could see Indonesia purchase more French weaponry, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 May 2025
During a heat wave, the American Kennel Club said, walk your dog early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and pavement is less likely to burn their paws.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for early
Recent Examples of Synonyms for early
Adjective
-
Casablanca has opened its first stand-alone store at 62 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and is shaking up the neighborhood with a colorful, youthful energy and interiors inspired by ancient Greece, Japan and the game of tennis.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
6 June 2025
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Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico This UNESCO World Heritage Site features ancient Puebloan structures aligned with solar events like Casa Rinconada.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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In the middle of a seven-minute piece interpreted in an appropriately serious manner, Urie elicited unexpected giggles from the audience.—
Daniel Vaillancourt,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
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There are unexpected movements, too, plus frantic activity between the more than 20 frames that surround the stage.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
Adverb
-
When Crosby was finally ready to go, Tsamis signed him and immediately put him into a pressure situation.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
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Fraser might’ve noticed immediately that the bags simply weren’t following behind the guests and the captain.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
3 June 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
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What is the reason for these premature eliminations, despite being one of the most consistent teams in the Eastern Conference since 2018?—
Tyler Small,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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But while friends and family of the teen mourned her premature death, anti-trans commentators on X turned Fosgate’s last posts into an whirlwind of transphobia — misgendering her, mocking her, and celebrating her family’s loss.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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The obvious difference is the lack of a coastal element, as Sand Valley’s courses are spread across 12,000 acres of prehistoric sand dunes.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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Beneath the surface of Warm Mineral Springs, divers have discovered prehistoric remains dating back 10,000 years.—
Sean Kingsley,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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Written in Latin, the coroners' rolls are records of sudden or suspicious deaths as investigated by a jury of local men, called together by the coroner to establish facts and reach a verdict.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
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After Earps’ announcement, Wiegman was asked what her long-time goalkeeper’s sudden international retirement two months before a major tournament said about the unity of the team.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
Adverb
-
As Kagan said in court on Thursday, the Mexican government might have had a good theory, but U.S cities brought similar suits in the early 2000s, and Congress promptly passed a law shielding gun manufacturers from lawsuits stemming from the criminal use of a firearm by a third party.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
5 June 2025
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Even a minor issue can escalate into a major reputational disaster if it’s not handled promptly and transparently.—
Valentina Drofa,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Early.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/early. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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