precipitate 1 of 3

precipitate

2 of 3

noun

precipitate

3 of 3

verb

as in to rain
to fall as water in a continuous stream of drops from the clouds the air mass was dry, as much of the moisture had precipitated out on the other side of the mountains

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective precipitate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of precipitate are abrupt, headlong, impetuous, and sudden. While all these words mean "showing undue haste or unexpectedness," precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action.

the army's precipitate withdrawal

When is it sensible to use abrupt instead of precipitate?

Although the words abrupt and precipitate have much in common, abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony.

an abrupt refusal

When is headlong a more appropriate choice than precipitate?

While the synonyms headlong and precipitate are close in meaning, headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought.

a headlong flight from arrest

When would impetuous be a good substitute for precipitate?

The words impetuous and precipitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness.

an impetuous lover proposing marriage

When can sudden be used instead of precipitate?

The meanings of sudden and precipitate largely overlap; however, 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 precipitate
Adjective
To make sure that in condensing everything, there is nothing forced or too precipitate, no unwieldly jumps. John Hopewell, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024 An additional factor that has been increasingly in the mix is that old and deteriorating dam infrastructure can fail amidst excessive rainfall events and precipitate catastrophic flooding. Sarah Raza, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2023
Noun
Once completed, the smelter will produce 90,000 tonnes of mixed hydroxide precipitate, a crucial material for making EV batteries. Yessar Rosendar, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Says the report: The calomel is captured as a precipitate and transferred to a mercury recycler who presumably converts it to elemental mercury and sells it into commerce. . . . Sallie Tisdale, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
The federal government is expected at midnight to run out of money, precipitating a shutdown, unless lawmakers come together on Tuesday to resolve their differences. ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025 So did Fergie, with other affairs that became public knowledge and precipitated the divorce. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precipitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precipitate
Adjective
  • Carter had to make a hurried Middle East trip – including a speech to the Knesset – before the two nations formally signed a treaty some six months hence.
    Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Francis Westfield went close with a diving header from the edge of the box, and Luke Brennan wasted a glorious chance for a late leveller when he was found unmarked at the back post, but his hurried shot flew high and wide.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Thunder’s pregame party was the result of outlasting the Indiana Pacers in seven thrilling, competitive finals games.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The brand recommends setting aside 30 to 45 minutes to fluff the flame-retardant branches for the most realistic result.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Maurepas is known to be resting under layers of sediment about 50 feet below the waterline.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Though the structures appear to only be heads, many of them have full bodies that have been concealed by sediment over the centuries.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Later in the day, someone older or in a position of authority might rain on your parade.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
  • And yet, like English weather at a summer wedding, Palmeiras have a track record for waiting until the biggest occasion to rain on the parade.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Our poor Toby, always so stressed, always so rushed.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • These alternatives can often provide a richer, less rushed experience than a whirlwind day trip to Paris.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Moyes and assistant McKinlay both remonstrated with the fourth official at the resultant flash of a yellow card.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The resultant program or app is established without any need for understanding computer programming.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The plan was to get Holmes out of town to set up a new life in Hawaii, according to deposition testimony and interviews with Holmes.
    Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Author Colleen Hoover, 45, whose bestselling novel inspired the adaptation, sat for a deposition recently, according to sources.
    Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At night, grab a seat at the bar for a cookie and a glass of wine poured from Midwest Sad’s full bar, which also serves beer, CBD seltzers, kombucha, sodas and more.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Later, when cracks emerged after construction started and the cement had been poured, consultants who recommended covering the façade with a rubbery coating to seal the cracks were similarly dismissed.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precipitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precipitate. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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