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 These are not the Mets of yesteryear, when the team was run in impulsive and impetuous fashion. Jerry Beach, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 The dynamic changes from drag dialogue to an aging aristocrat-wannabe and her impetuous male ingenue. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025 Crisp, curly hair indicates a hasty, somewhat impetuous and rash character. Literary Hub, 9 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for impetuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetuous
Adjective
  • These people are all very reactive and very impulsive.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In Jay Kelly’s titular role, the Oscar winner does plenty of looking back during an impulsive train trip from France to Italy.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Her adventurous spirit never dimmed.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Miguel kick-started his career with his adventurous 2012 debut, Kaleidoscope Dream, an LP that mixed rock, soul, and psychedelia into a freewheeling sound he’s been nuancing ever since, often in music that’s taken on a moodier, more anxious tone.
    Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Loving father, fearless adventurer Chefitz and his wife came to Miami in 1974 for a job at Florida International University for Walli.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Incredibly principled and fearless.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impetuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impetuous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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