as in early
occurring before the usual or expected time
the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise
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Recent Examples of untimely
Davis’ paintings, sculpture, and works on paper capture the history and intricacies of American Black life from antebellum America through his untimely death.
—
Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2026
Timing is all wrong The tax issue is both untimely and unwise.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
But every retelling of that moment features Chase as a news anchor and a poor baby sandpiper meeting an untimely end.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
Their efforts resolved all Presley family disputes in the wake of Lisa Marie’s untimely passing.
—Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for untimely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untimely
Adjective
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Borrego Palm Canyon is also showing early signs of bloom.—
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In early September, with the multiple hijackings organized by Haddad and a final confrontation with King Hussein’s forces both looming, the Popular Front leaders in Amman decided that the foreign volunteers were a liability and arranged for them to be bussed back to Lebanon out of harm’s way.—
Adjective
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When emergencies result in a premature birth or a baby with medical complications, immediate access to advanced neonatal care is critical.—
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Gilbert blamed Congress for the funding reductions and described the layoffs as premature.—
Adjective
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The whimsical cover introduces readers to Saffy and Lumo, two best friends whose devotion to their favorite foods leads to an unexpected, and very literal, transformation.—
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While the ordeal was incredibly frustrating for Johnson, updates on his unusual guest have been an unexpected distraction and obsession for a community that has lost so much.—
Adjective
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Other affected customers, like KHOU meteorologist Pat Calvin, noted how the sudden technological disconnect felt like the return of a bygone era.—
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No one is going to care about short-term interest rates if the dollar starts tanking or there is a sudden and widespread loss of confidence in the Fed’s ability to maintain inflation low and labor markets stable over the long-term.—
Adjective
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The timing is inopportune for MNUFC.—
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While tantrums seem to come out of nowhere, striking with speed and intensity at the most inopportune times, scientists have been zeroing in on the buildup that can be underway for some time before an eruption.—
Cite this Entry
“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untimely. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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