INOPPORTUNE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

inopportune

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˌä-pər-ˈtün

Definition of inopportune

as in unexpected

occurring before the usual or expected time their inopportune arrival before the house was cleaned

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 inopportune The ultra-violent mayhem simply doesn’t fit well with such comic touches as Hank continuing to carry the parakeet in the birdcage around even while being chased by the bad guys and Ben experiencing a panic attack at an inopportune moment. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Knowing how to recognize the signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan can save you from an inconvenient breakdown (or worse, water damage) at an inopportune moment. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026 The accusation comes at an inopportune time, when Microsoft is trying to optimize Windows 11 for 8GB of RAM and PC makers are developing less expensive hardware to compete with Apple’s MacBook Neo. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026 Getty Images The Philadelphia Phillies are in the final days before the MLB trade deadline searching for answers to an offense that has stalled at an inopportune time. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inopportune

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inopportune

Adjective

Key Takeaways The experiment revealed an unexpected way to manipulate the weak magnetism inside an atomic nucleus.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Still, something unexpected may force you to try a different method, schedule, or approach that ends up working better.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of unexpected

Adjective

The two groups sued the Homeland Security Department in early October to prevent it from using federal immigration data to challenge state voter rolls.

— Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
The increases have been particularly pronounced in states with competitive Senate races, including Iowa and Kansas, where early voting is up roughly 30%.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of early

Adjective

Ramirez, who was born and raised in La Cañada Flintridge and worked at the resort in the 1990s, said the news release was premature.

— Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
During pregnancy, invasive listeriosis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in newborns.

— Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of premature

Adjective

Lucy leaves their countryside home with Johnny immediately, going straight to her mother’s house ( Catherine Deneuve plays mom), but avoids telling her, or anyone else, the specifics of this sudden separation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
All of a sudden, the war took on a more present form, unsettling a kingdom unused to conflicts playing out on home turf.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

To Hetty’s surprise, Margaret’s mustache has disappeared, because her spirit has been trapped inside a mirror since her untimely death and exists as a reflection of herself.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
Lacking the billions, this Bruce Wayne comes from a blue-collar background, raised by a teacher and social worker, before his dad’s untimely death in a mass shooting.

— Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of untimely

Adjective

On their full-length debut, the buzzy NYC siblings pay tribute to the fuckboy charm of the aughts with their precocious, mischievous, and rapidly evolving pop music.

— Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Videos shared by Nevada’s parents on Instagram show the precocious dynamo masterfully weaving between taller players and delivering powerful kicks driving the ball into the goal.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of precocious

Browse Nearby Words

inoperative

inopportune

inopportunely

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“Inopportune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inopportune. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of inopportune

adjective

Example Sentences

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