early

modif.

1. Near the beginning

   initial, first, ancient, prehistoric, primitive, primeval, primal, pioneer, pioneering, trailblazing, beginning, prime, new, fresh, budding, raw; see also old 3.

   Antonyms late*, modern*, superannuated. *

2. Sooner than might have been expected

   premature(ly), beforehand, in advance, ahead, far ahead, before the time, ahead of time, quick, precocious, preceding, anticipatory, advanced, too soon, untimely, unanticipated, immediate, unexpected, precipitant, speedy, hasty, before the appointed time, in good time, on time, direct, prompt(ly), punctual(ly), briefly, shortly, presently, in the bud, unhatched, immature, unlooked-for, betimes, bright and early*, with the birds*, on the dot*, pronto*, with time to spare*.

   Antonyms late, slow*, tardy. *

3. Maturing soon

   dwarf, bush, quick-maturing, early-maturing, early-flowering, hardy, short-stemmed, spring, frostproof, northern.