A timely event happens at a moment when it is useful, effective, or relevant.
[approval]
The recent outbreak is a timely reminder that this disease is a serious health hazard.
The exhibition is timely, since 'self-taught' art is catching on in a big way.
Synonyms: opportune [formal], appropriate, well-timed, prompt More Synonyms of timely
timely in British English
(ˈtaɪmlɪ)
adjective, adverbWord forms: -lier or -liest
1.
at the right or an opportune or appropriate time
2. an archaic word for early
Derived forms
timeliness (ˈtimeliness)
noun
timely in American English
(ˈtaɪmli)
adjectiveWord forms: ˈtimelier or ˈtimeliest
1.
happening, done, said, etc. at a suitable time; well-timed; opportune
2. Rare
appearing in good time; early
adverb
3. Word forms: ˈtimelier or ˈtimeliest Archaic
early; soon
4.
at the right time; opportunely
the brief was timely filed with the court
SYNONYMY NOTE: timely applies to that which happens or is done at an appropriate time, esp. at such a timeas to be of help or service [a timely interruption]; opportune refers to that which is so timed, often as if by accident, as to meet exactly theneeds of the occasion [the opportune arrival of a supply train]; seasonable applies literally to that which is suited to the season of the year or, figuratively,to the moment or occasion [seasonable weather]
Derived forms
timeliness (ˈtimeliness)
noun
Word origin
ME tymeli < OE timlice: see time & -ly1
Examples of 'timely' in a sentence
timely
It isn't timely or particularly relevant.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The book is a timely reminder of the complexity of international politics, and the nuanced balance of forces that have shaped our modern world.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It was a timely reminder of the suffering endured by many in the fight for democracy.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This timely boost came as she was on the brink of scaling down her ambitions.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Collecting cash in a timely manner is just as important as making the deal.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Which problems will benefit the most from timely intervention?
McKenzie, James F. & Pinger, Robert R. An Introduction to Community Health (1995)
But good results there would certainly be a timely boost to his morale.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The easing of their financial worries has also been a timely intervention.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Managers supervise an efficient workforce through which the necessary work is completed in a timely and effective fashion.
Christianity Today (2000)
The adverse publicity should serve as a timely reminder to the players and they will pay up soon.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It provides a timely reminder that the factory can do more than churn out small numbers of bespoke military helicopters.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The search for a new manager is under way and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
After the more fancied men had lost their opener, it was a timely boost.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The Darlington experience this week offers a timely reminder.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It was a timely reminder that if you're young and hot you can wear anything.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But it's another timely reminder that bankers must change their ways.
The Sun (2010)
This is a timely intervention.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The introduction of oil to Madagascar would be a timely boost for a country that has suffered recently because of political instability.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Some staff were not trained to assess symptoms, and emergency and urgent patients were not always assessed in a timely manner.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The safeguarding of 2,600 jobs provides a timely boost for the high street as many shops struggle in dire weather and a subdued economy.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You should request that the landlord consider and approve these in a timely manner, failing which he may well be in breach of his duties.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
timely
British English: timely ADJECTIVE
A timely event happens at a moment when it is useful, effective, or relevant.
The recent outbreaks of cholera are a timely reminder that this disease is still a serious health hazard.
American English: timely
Brazilian Portuguese: oportuno
Chinese: 适时的
European Spanish: oportuno
French: opportun
German: rechtzeitig
Italian: tempestivo
Japanese: ちょうどよいタイミングの
Korean: 시기적절한
European Portuguese: oportuno
Latin American Spanish: oportuno
Chinese translation of 'timely'
timely
(ˈtaɪmlɪ)
adj
[arrival, reminder]及时(時)的 (jíshí de)
(adjective)
Definition
at the right or an appropriate time
These outbreaks are a timely reminder that the disease persists.
Synonyms
opportune (formal)
I have arrived at a very opportune moment.
appropriate
It is appropriate that Irish names dominate the list.
well-timed
One well-timed word from you may be all it takes to change his mind.
prompt
an inflammation of the eyeball which needs prompt treatment
suitable
He could think of no less suitable moment to mention the idea.
convenient
She will try to arrange a mutually convenient time for an interview.
at the right time
judicious
punctual
He's always very punctual. I'll see if he's here yet.
propitious
the most propitious moment to launch the campaign
seasonable
Opposites
inconvenient
,
ill-timed
,
inopportune
,
late
,
untimely
,
tardy
,
unseasonable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of appropriate
Definition
right or suitable
It is appropriate that Irish names dominate the list.
Synonyms
suitable,
right,
fitting,
fit,
suited,
correct,
belonging,
relevant,
proper,
to the point,
in keeping,
apt,
applicable,
pertinent,
befitting,
well-suited,
well-timed,
apposite,
apropos,
opportune (formal),
becoming,
seemly,
felicitous,
germane,
to the purpose,
appurtenant,
congruous,
meet (archaic)
in the sense of convenient
Definition
suitable or opportune
She will try to arrange a mutually convenient time for an interview.
Synonyms
appropriate,
timely,
suited,
suitable,
beneficial,
well-timed,
opportune (formal),
seasonable,
helpful
in the sense of prompt
Definition
done without delay
an inflammation of the eyeball which needs prompt treatment
Synonyms
immediate,
quick,
rapid,
instant,
timely,
early,
swift,
on time,
speedy,
instantaneous,
punctual,
pdq (slang),
unhesitating
Synonyms of 'timely'
timely
Explore 'timely' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of propitious
Definition
likely to prove favourable
the most propitious moment to launch the campaign
Synonyms
favourable,
timely,
promising,
encouraging,
bright,
lucky,
fortunate,
prosperous,
rosy,
advantageous,
auspicious,
opportune (formal),
full of promise
in the sense of punctual
Definition
arriving or taking place at an arranged time
He's always very punctual. I'll see if he's here yet.
Synonyms
on time,
timely,
early,
prompt,
strict,
exact,
precise,
in good time,
on the dot,
seasonable
in the sense of seasonable
Definition
coming or happening just at the right time
Synonyms
appropriate,
timely,
fit,
welcome,
suitable,
convenient,
well-timed,
opportune (formal),
providential
in the sense of suitable
He could think of no less suitable moment to mention the idea.
Synonyms
convenient,
timely,
appropriate,
well-timed,
opportune (formal),
commodious
in the sense of well-timed
One well-timed word from you may be all it takes to change his mind.