Synonyms of inopportune

inopportune

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˌä-pər-ˈtün 

as in unexpected

occurring before the usual or expected time

their inopportune arrival before the house was cleaned

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unexpected
• early
• premature
• sudden
• untimely
• precocious
• unseasonable
• unforeseen
• unanticipated
• abrupt
• unlooked-for

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• late
• slow
• belated
• tardy
• delinquent
• overdue
• anticipated
• postponed
• delayed
• expected
• behindhand
• latish
• detained

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inopportune

Advertisement The departure of some of Russia’s brightest computer scientists has come at an inopportune moment for the country. — Nikita Ostrovsky, Time, 18 June 2026

But most of them are caused by Patricia, who keeps re-entering the room — the same space that was once the Warrens’ bedroom — at inopportune moments. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 27 May 2026

There’s the brooding, damaged Creasy, who confusingly passes out at inopportune moments owing to his trauma; an international setting (Italy in the book and first film, Mexico City in the 2004 movie); and a young woman who breaks through his defenses and teaches him to feel again. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026

Twenty-six years ago, students treated a visit by then-President Bill Clinton as a challenge, and outwitted the Secret Service by secretly rigging a banner to unfurl at an inopportune moment. — Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2026