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

Example 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 The main lesson of Outer Banks’ Season 4 premiere: A Pogue and his money are soon parted, especially when said Pogue has a boatload of insecurities and tends toward the impetuous. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 10 Oct. 2024 Macron’s weakness for pursuing politically unpopular projects is an expression—understandable on its own terms, if at times impetuous and often misplaced—of the kingly imperative of never being passive, never seeming weak. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 9 July 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for impetuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetuous
Adjective
  • The proliferation of financial news, sensationalist headlines, and social media can amplify anxiety, leading to impulsive decisions that deviate from long-term plans.
    True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Even during a recession, advisors should encourage clients to avoid impulsive moves like selling assets at depressed prices.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In Shanghai, China, at No. 8, thousands of years of food history have been perfected in today’s adventurous culinary scene.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
  • One cat’s adventurous life forced some of the city’s top officials, including the police chief and several running for office in next month’s elections, to leave City Hall and talk solutions Wednesday on the streets where Carrot once roamed.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Set in December 2001, amid a devastating crisis, Lali, 18, flees with fearless teenage guerrillas convinced that Carlos Menem is to blame for the country’s collapse, determined to meet the former president in his lavish mansion in Anillaco and assassinate him.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
  • One suspects that six years on, Lloyd’s more fearless about putting his own stamp — with both feet — on Evita.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impetuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impetuous. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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