Definition of precipitatenext

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 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 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 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
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
Adjective
  • Better that there be no resentments about money, better that Adele learn that rash decisions had lasting costs.
    Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • Arsenal restricted them to fine margins — a penalty in normal time, conceded by a rash decision by their third-choice right back against arguably the most in-form winger in the world.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Both sides of the V had these same precipitous walls, so the only way to the lookout point, or back from it, was through the base-line of timber and across the 100 yards of bare lava to the edge of the precipice.
    Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
  • If Houston enters a precipitous free fall, or if Brown isn’t in charge at the trade deadline, perhaps the tenor of this conversation could change.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
  • There was a sudden flourishing of knives, blades flashing in the market lights.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Mickey Todiwala Leaving software engineering wasn't an impulsive decision.
    Mike Winters Mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • What moved me most in The Testaments was its cast of teenage girls — the Plums seemed to be sparkling, creative, impulsive, curious, deeply loyal, and ready to question the world around them.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • This cultural reinforcement of speed over thoughtful planning can lead to hasty decisions that ultimately create more problems that the COO is then expected to solve.
    Allison Mais, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • But don’t be hasty about buying electronics in May.
    Allison Gibson, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • The headlong rush of Na’s bonkers would-be international blockbuster left Cannes alternatively awed, befuddled and thrilled.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2026
  • What burning question prompted such a headlong pursuit?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 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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