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timely

2 syllables · also timelier, timeliest
adjectiveadverb
Quick answer

As an adjective, timely means done at the proper time or within the proper time limits. As an adverb, it means in compliance with applicable time limits.

Meanings of timely

7 meanings

adjective

  1. Done at the proper time or within the proper time limits; prompt.

  2. Happening or appearing at the proper time.

  3. Before a time limit expires

    “the timely filing of his income tax return”

Older and rare meanings (1)

  1. obsoleteKeeping time or measure.

adverb

  1. legalIn compliance with applicable time limits.

Older and rare meanings (2)

  1. archaicIn good time; early, quickly.

  2. obsoleteAt the right time; seasonably.

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).

Synonyms by meaning

adjective: done or happening at the appropriate or proper time
seasonablewell-timedwell timed
adverb: at an opportune time
seasonablywell-timedapropos

Words that rhyme with timely

untimely

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Nearby words

time outtimedtimekeepertimelesstimelessnesstimelinesstimeouttimepiecetimertimestimeservertimetable