opportune

opportune
adjective
op·;por·;tune ;;-p;r-;t;n  -;ty;n
Synonyms of opportune
1
: suitable or convenient for a particular occurrence
an opportune moment
the legal authorities helped by the opportune use of their powers of arrest
—T. E. Vedney
2
: occurring at an appropriate time
an opportune offer of assistance
The book's publication is opportune.
opportunely adverb
opportuneness
;;-p;r-;t(y);n-n;s
 noun


Did you know?
If you’ve never had the opportunity to learn the history behind opportune, now’s your chance. Both opportune and opportunity come from Latin opport;nus, which can mean “favoring one’s needs,” “serviceable,” or “convenient.” Opport;nus itself, constructed from the prefix ob-, meaning “to,” portu- (stem of the noun portus, meaning “port” or “harbor”), and the adjective suffix -nus, suggests the value of any port available when a storm is brewing or raging. Portus has dropped anchor in other English words as well, including portal, passport, and of course port. Its footprint is also scattered across our maps in coastal place names, from Newport to Puerto Rico to Porto Alegre.

Synonyms
seasonable
timely
well-timed
Examples of opportune in a Sentence
There isn't a more opportune time to invest in the stock market.
an opportune rain shower gave them an excuse to leave the outdoor concert early
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the opportune moment, Kinsey releases a thundering 12,000 pounds of water.
—Peter Passi, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
Another perspective is that the district seized a politically opportune moment to stop a boondoggle that had little benefit for the students it’s meant to serve.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2025
According to Johnson, emerging adulthood is an opportune time to develop one’s personal brand.
—Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Deford said that the new businesses are opening at an opportune time, heading into the market’s busiest months, and will fill out its last available spaces.
—Mathew Schumer, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025