at the earliest

phrase

used to indicate the earliest possible time when something will happen or be done
The job will not be finished until next year at the (very) earliest.

Examples of at the earliest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Why would users want to potentially slow down their iPhones now [for the indexing] in order to pre-empt something that for most people won’t happen until September at the earliest. Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Some spring bulbs can also be planted in late summer to grow strong roots before winter and get a head start on next season, but many shouldn’t be planted until the ground cools—so September at the earliest for those. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 Because the Senate is scheduled to begin its five-week August recess at the end of next week, Blanche probably wouldn’t come before the full Senate for a vote until September at the earliest if the nomination advances out of the Judiciary Committee. Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 The Earliest Show is a comedic look behind the scenes at the earliest live morning show in upstate New York, hosted by Josh Bath (Schwartz) and Samantha Newman (Lapkus). Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for at the earliest

Cite this Entry

“At the earliest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20earliest. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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