precipitate 1 of 3

Definition of precipitatenext

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
Some summertime seeding occurs in clouds that would not normally precipitate. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025 Cancer can both aggravate and precipitate mental illness. Simar Bajaj, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
The new high-pressure acid leaching smelter will produce 66,000 tons of nickel in mixed hydroxide precipitate each year when completed, using nickel ore from Vale Indonesia’s mines. Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 While the faithful typically congregate in St. Peter's Square daily during the conclave, the public signal that a pontiff has been chosen precipitates a surge of observers rushing to be among the first to see the new pope in person. Christopher Watson, ABC News, 8 May 2025
Verb
Requests for the ring came in thick and fast, which precipitated the launch of the jewelry label. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 May 2026 And, other changes would likely need to occur to precipitate a large rate decline, according to Long. Tim Maxwell, CBS News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for precipitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precipitate
Adjective
  • In addition, the hurried evaluation and adoption of this proposal, which became public less than a week ago, is unnecessary.
    Jeff Kottkamp, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026
  • Galena’s Historic District was ranked 66 for its relaxed environment and disconnection from the modern hurried atmosphere, according to the publication.
    Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • In the 21st century, Carson remains a cultural touchstone, not only spurring generations of people in the global environmental movement but also inspiring a deep well of nature writing and thinking as a result of her works on the sea.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • The chance of advancing from the group phase isn’t far-fetched, with a diverse squad of new and seasoned players and recent results that offer glimmers of hope for a run in the tournament.
    Jim Sciutto, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • In response to the application, the USACE said the project’s soil erosion and sediment control plan would require review by the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
  • Water receptacles across the facility were reported to be dirty, including a bowl shared by 15 goats, a turkey, seven chickens, a llama and a potbellied pig, which contained brownish-black sediment and thick green algae.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Boos rained down from the stands with Slot facing the first crisis of his tenure.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • No one was laughing at Fenway Park, however, with loud boos raining down when Acuña crossed the plate and even louder boos following after the inning eventually ended.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Instead, Mahan and his wealthy Silicon Valley backers talked themselves into a rushed and premature campaign that was never remotely competitive.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • As immigration officers arrested her six weeks ago, through tears and a rushed goodbye, Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez had a request for her daughter.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This is because, as the authors of the study note, people holding grudges tend to feel a sense of righteousness surrounding their hurt, as well as with their experience of the resultant grudge itself.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Both aircraft were destroyed in the resultant crash with fire causing the death of four crew members on both planes.
    Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Fired Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor's deposition with Karen Read's lawyers that was scheduled for Monday will not happen until June 25.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • So, the deposition has been rescheduled for June 25, the day before the case’s next status conference, and July 14.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Cards and well-wishes poured in from around the world, as did calls from oblivious travelers.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Bartenders poured agave-centric cocktails from behind a long bar.
    Jenna Thompson June 6, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Precipitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precipitate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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