impetuous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective impetuous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impetuous are abrupt, headlong, precipitate, and sudden. While all these words mean "showing undue haste or unexpectedness," impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness.

an impetuous lover proposing marriage

When would abrupt be a good substitute for impetuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to impetuous, abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony.

an abrupt refusal

When is headlong a more appropriate choice than impetuous?

In some situations, the words headlong and impetuous are roughly equivalent. However, headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought.

a headlong flight from arrest

When can precipitate be used instead of impetuous?

The meanings of precipitate and impetuous largely overlap; however, precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action.

the army's precipitate withdrawal

When could sudden be used to replace impetuous?

While the synonyms sudden and impetuous are close in meaning, sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action.

flew into a sudden rage

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of impetuous And Beating 'The Sopranos' To The Idea The film, which starred an amazing Harvey Keitel as Charlie Cappa, a conflicted young gangster who tried to look out for his impetuous friend, was part of De Niro Con, a tribute to the Oscar-winning actor and co-founder of the Tribeca Festival. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 June 2024 This is not the first time Musk has had to back-track an impetuous business decision. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 13 May 2024 The impetuous title Evil Does Not Exist rings false. Armond White, National Review, 8 May 2024 Her impetuous plan to sink a German gunboat provides a strong narrative hook that propels the two lovebirds into unexpectedly heroic roles. Danny Horn, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impetuous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetuous
Adjective
  • One league source wouldn’t put the Bears anywhere near the same level of deterrence as the New York Jets, whose owner, Woody Johnson, has a reputation for being impulsive and volatile.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Nov. 2024
  • Does the child make impulsive decisions that might be regretted later?
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • An inquisitive, adventurous spirit appears to be the special sauce as long as it’s channeled and catalyzed in a healthy way.
    Wes Moss, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Then my friend Kevin and I did an adventurous run/hike up Pyramid Buttes this September, and there was so much goddamn deadfall.
    Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Your series takes a fearless approach to addressing taboo topics like ageism, consumerism and political correctness.
    Caroline Tell, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Foremost among these campaigners was Josephine Butler, a fearless advocate for women’s rights who lived in the British port city of Liverpool in the mid-nineteenth century.
    Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near impetuous

Cite this Entry

“Impetuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impetuous. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on impetuous

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