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 There’s never been a more divisive, vindictive, cruel, illiterate, impetuous, rude bully than the former president. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Oct. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for impetuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetuous
Adjective
  • Clients who check their investments frequently tend to experience more anxiety and are more likely to make impulsive changes.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • In Trump's impulsive first term, Waltz might've been fired.
    Marc Caputo, Axios, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nick, the son of shipping tycoon Massimo Marone (Joseph Mascolo), often was depicted as an adventurous and ambitious man who worked as a sea captain.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There’s so much talent in New York, and diners are more curious, more adventurous, and more informed than ever.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In her public appearances and on social media, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has become a symbol of fearless resistance to the Trump administration’s bullying.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The eclectic evening highlighted what is at the core of both Mosshart's artistry and Lotan's design ethos: fearless self-expression.
    Gaby Keiderling, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impetuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impetuous. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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