Definition of prematurenext
as in early
occurring before the usual or expected time his premature arrival at his own surprise party almost ruined everything

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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 premature Still, her premature exit after two successful seasons with the Spirit came as a shock. Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026 Insects like aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, fungus gnats, and more can affect your plant's health, leading to stunted, distorted growth, root damage, premature leaf drop, and even plant death. Molly Burford, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026 From there, Saoirse and her two lifelong friends head home to mourn the premature passing of their former classmate. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2026 Arnold’s very sad and wildly premature passing led to fans swarming DSPs and digital retailers to reconnect with some of his signature band’s biggest hits. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for premature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for premature
Adjective
  • Early on in cosmic history, the Universe was composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, as no substantial quantities of heavier elements were formed during the early stages of the hot Big Bang.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026
  • And since leaving prison in early January, the preacher has wasted no time in spreading his gospel in a tranche of new songs published on his social media platforms.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • However, the franchise has repeatedly reiterated that Brian is canonically alive, and Brian's last film appearance utilized Walker's brothers as stand-ins, so there is precedent for the character appearing on screen despite of the actor's untimely death.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
  • As much as people try to avoid it (and not contribute to it), the untimely animal deaths are an unfortunate, inevitable byproduct of a society reliant on cars.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • An unexpected medical emergency or costly diagnosis, such as cancer, can leave people thousands of dollars in debt.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Navigating isolation and uncertainty, BOY forms an unexpected connection with a new physiotherapist while also spending time with his eccentric grandmother.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Two years before Tony Clark’s sudden resignation made Bruce Meyer the head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, Meyer composed a letter to quiet the union members calling for his ouster.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The Major League Baseball Players Association has elected a new executive director following the sudden departure of Tony Clark, who had led the union for over a decade.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Then there’s Rachael, an absurdly precocious 9-year-old who acts — well!
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
  • But the precocious freshman point guard also felt like that stretch sounded a warning alarm inside of him.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • One day her husband came home at an inopportune time.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The timing is inopportune because Smith, 48, must now transition into promo mode as the wildly popular, long-running hard-rock band now has a world tour dubbed Dance Kid Dance Act II kicking off in May, and a new album, EI8HT, due May 29.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Premature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/premature. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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