Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Done or happening at the appropriate or proper time; opportune. An action or event that occurs at a moment that is particularly suitable, effective, or advantageous.

Usage

• The adjective "well timed" is used to describe an action, remark, or event that occurs at an especially suitable or effective moment. It often implies careful planning or fortunate coincidence leading to a positive outcome.
• It is commonly placed before a noun (attributive) or after a linking verb (predicative).

Examples

• Attributive (before a noun):
  • The CEO's well timed announcement boosted investor confidence.
  • She made a well timed intervention that prevented an argument.
• Predicative (after a linking verb):
  • His arrival was perfectly well timed.
  • The rain was well timed for the newly planted crops.

Advanced Usage

• "well-timed" as a compound adjective: Often hyphenated, especially when placed before a noun, to function as a single modifier.
  • It was a well-timed joke that eased the tension in the room.
• Used to describe strategic actions in fields like sports, business, or diplomacy.
  • The striker's well-timed run beat the offside trap.
  • The company's well-timed market entry captured significant share.

Variants and Related Words

• Timely (adjective): Occurring at a suitable time; opportune. (e.g., )
• Opportune (adjective): Especially convenient or appropriate for a particular action or event. (e.g., an moment)
• Seasonable (adjective): Usual or suitable for the season; also, timely. (e.g., weather, advice)

Synonyms

• Opportune
• Timely
• Auspicious
• Propitious
• Fortunate

Antonyms

• Ill-timed
• Untimely
• Inopportune
• Unseasonable

Related Phrases and Idioms

• At the right time: This phrase is a simpler way to express the concept of being "well timed."
  • His comment came at the right time to clarify the issue.
• In the nick of time: This idiom emphasizes something happening at the last possible moment before it is too late, which is a specific type of good timing.
  • The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.

Adjective

1. done or happening at the appropriate or proper time
   • a timely warning
   • with timely treatment the patient has a good chance of recovery
   • a seasonable time for discussion
   • the book's publication was well timed