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
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 As the water increases in temperature, CaCO3 undergoes a chemical reaction and precipitates out of the water, forming incrustants, or little crystals. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2024
Verb
Outrage over the video, however, also was blamed for riots and the Defund the Police movement, which many now consider a mistake that might have precipitated a rise in violent crime in some cities (the statistics are often debated). James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025 First, while many suicide attempts occur within the context of mental illness, short-term crises usually precipitate the attempt – things such as the breakup of a romantic relationship, job loss, financial stressors or bullying. Emmy Betz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precipitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precipitate
Adjective
  • Foster’s hurried firing on Sunday morning comes after his hurried hiring in February 2024, his placement a band-aid one week after Chip Kelly bolted to be offensive coordinator at Ohio State.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The Chiefs blitzed just to force a hurried throw from Hurts.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That's the result of Republicans and Democrats failing to reach a deal to pass a stopgap funding bill.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • For best results and to keep your flannel looking great, follow the care instructions on the tag.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Without an excavation to remove the sediment, the open-water area will eventually be replaced by a marsh and then a meadow.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The drilling project encountered issues, including sediment washing into a wetland and a borehole being left unfilled.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Are financial entanglements raining on your parade?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Surveillance video obtained by Fox News shows the chaotic moments when ICE agents took cover and protected detainees as gunfire rained down on them from outside a Dallas facility Wednesday morning.
    Peter D'Abrosca , Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These alternatives can often provide a richer, less rushed experience than a whirlwind day trip to Paris.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The Dolphins had two delay-of-game penalties and a rushed play during their unsuccessful final two drives against New England.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The resultant program or app is established without any need for understanding computer programming.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The resultant meandering is pleasant, but much of the initial intrigue is lost when the uniqueness of the film’s concept becomes diluted.
    Blake Simons, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • During Commissioner Hamm’s deposition, one of Grayson’s lawyers pointed out the ability for some death row inmates to acquire drugs, including his own client — and questioned whether that affected Grayson’s ability to meaningfully participate in his own defense.
    Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Swift reportedly agreed to the deposition before the incident.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • TikTok creators and influencers have been filming themselves pouring honey onto a spoon, or even on the back of their hand, and sprinkling it with salt — many opting for natural options of both — and taking a dose before heading to the gym.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • More than 27 wineeries from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe will pour tastings of more than 65 different wines, and Valle executive chef Roberto Alcocer will prepare accompanying gourmet bites.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precipitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precipitate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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