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headlong

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective headlong contrast with its synonyms?

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

a headlong flight from arrest

When is abrupt a more appropriate choice than headlong?

The synonyms abrupt and headlong are sometimes interchangeable, but abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony.

an abrupt refusal

In what contexts can impetuous take the place of headlong?

While the synonyms impetuous and headlong are close in meaning, impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness.

an impetuous lover proposing marriage

Where would precipitate be a reasonable alternative to headlong?

In some situations, the words precipitate and headlong are roughly equivalent. However, precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action.

the army's precipitate withdrawal

When would sudden be a good substitute for headlong?

The words sudden and headlong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 headlong
Adjective
This endless, headlong energy can produce a caffeinated buzz that rises to the brain on little prickling bubbles of enjoyment. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Their headlong rise has mirrored that of the men’s team, and opened a pathway for girls and young women to play. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
Adverb
That, of course, sent it headlong into the biggest market crash of them all, and the Great Depression. Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Those trends ran headlong into increasing concerns on Wall Street about the payoff from the massive investments in artificial intelligence that have occurred over the past two years or so and fueled some gains in the stock market. Rob Wile, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for headlong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headlong
Adjective
  • This comes as the Trump administration has faced growing criticisms for its hurried proceedings to remove as many noncitizens from the country as quickly as possible.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In Alentejo, food is meant to be shared, and time at the table is never hurried, and this is a central element of the experience at São Lourenço do Barrocal.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Flashpoint Kashmir has been a flashpoint since 1947, when British India was hastily divided into two by its former colonial rulers.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
  • Those that disregard the founder’s legacy, alienate key stakeholders, neglect relationship-building, or move too hastily are doomed to failure.
    George Bradt, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adverb
  • The clerk's office for Cook County, Illinois, where the pontiff lived previously, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The Pakistani claim has not been corroborated and could not be immediately verified by Newsweek.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Adverb
  • Don’t forget to take advantage of the signature St. Regis butler service, which will promptly fulfill requests for packing needs, garment pressing, restaurant reservations and a cup of steaming chamomile tea to unwind after a long flight.
    Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Just then, they were joined by Colin Jost as Hegseth — and Pirro promptly spit red wine in his face in surprise.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • To tell the story of a middle-aged man’s impulsive leap into restaurant ownership, he’s gathered an accomplished cast wielding effortless charm.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
  • Could this change in spending from non-essential items to more essential ones mean a realignment away from impulsive internet purchases and toward more bare essentials?
    Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Adverb
  • That shift could instantly disqualify every employee at those institutions from PSLF.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Then a sudden switch: a bellicose, spine-stiffening bass line, and the instantly infamous refrain.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Youngest brother Dante is reckless and indebted to dangerous criminals.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • On Sunday, officers arrested the suspect in South San Francisco and booked him into San Mateo County jail on charges of hit-and-run causing injury and reckless evading.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 14 May 2025
Adverb
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Dustin Staggs, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • Proceeds from Purse Bingo directly benefit three charities that serve women and families in need: Alabaster Jar Project, Carol’s House of Community Resource Center, and Shades of Pink California.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Headlong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headlong. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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