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 Raiff’s impetuous outbursts serve his babyish college kid well, and the writer-director’s honest dialogue and empathetic perspective are even more valuable. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025 On the one hand, there is the impetuous, often swaggering young writer whose sometimes brash, sometimes tender personality vividly emerges from the hundred-odd poems that have come down to us. Daniel Mendelsohn, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025 Sheinbaum must walk a fine line between her constituents, who don’t want to see Mexico humiliated — or go broke — and the unpredictable, impetuous Trump. Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for impetuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetuous
Adjective
  • For example: • Excitement can spark innovation or lead to impulsive decisions.
    Marc Brackett, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025
  • That impulsive rescue set off a chain reaction that would change everything.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Today’s savvy travelers are chasing something deeper, more adventurous.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Newman and Marnell, as the adventurous Bill and gentlemanly Harry, respectively, fully embrace their kooky characters and revel in their eccentricities, while Wallace imbues an affable nature and optimism to Sam.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Gabrielle Union at 52 straddles both worlds with playful, fearless styling that balances skin and sophistication.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The fearless filmmaker has faced a lot of headwinds over the years but continues to find comfort in the Salute community, which balances artists with unique POVs and supporting authenti, good craft.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impetuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impetuous. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impetuous

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