importunate

adjective

im-ˈpȯr-chə-nət How to pronounce importunate (audio)
Definition of importunatenext
as in urgent
needing immediate attention the demands of the chairmanship were becoming too importunate for me to continue without an assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 importunate Dragonfly males are so importunate that some females play dead to avoid their advances. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importunate
  1. urgent
  2. acute
Adjective
  • Practicing isolating these muscles and squeezing them when not in urgent need of a bathroom can help in the longer term when dealing with the need to go to the bathroom without a toilet readily available.
    — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The grand jury believed that LINXS took advantage of the urgent need to get the project done for high profile sporting events as a way to leverage change order demands.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of urgent
Adjective
  • Prior to that show, Stewart, who has a history of thyroid cancer surgery, canceled and postponed concert stops in June following a diagnosis of acute upper respiratory infection, laryngitis and vocal fold strain.
    — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Davis said the pain from her condition can be acute at times, while standing and walking is not always easy.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of acute

Browse Nearby Words

imports
importunate
importune
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“Importunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importunate. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on importunate

Nglish: Translation of importunate for Spanish Speakers

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