1
as in hurried
acting or done with excessive or careless speed
soon regretted our precipitous actions in international affairs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in steep
having an incline approaching the perpendicular
a precipitous ski slope that fully merits its triple diamond designation
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as in hustle
excited and often showy or disorderly speed
the precipitousness with which he acted would soon be a cause for regret
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of precipitous
Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Detroit saw a precipitous decline in the number of homicides and shootings in 2024 over the year before, continuing a trend of sliding violent crime since a pandemic-era spike, according to police data presented by city officials Friday.
—Violet Ikonomova, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025
The drop has been precipitous, too.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
But the most precipitous drop really occurred upon our swift and effective implementation of the President's proclamation in June of 2024 that restricted the ability of individuals to claim asylum at our southern border.
—Steve Inskeep, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precipitous
Adjective
The Twins’ precipitous fall continued with a 3-5 trip through Cleveland and Boston.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Detroit saw a precipitous decline in the number of homicides and shootings in 2024 over the year before, continuing a trend of sliding violent crime since a pandemic-era spike, according to police data presented by city officials Friday.
—Violet Ikonomova, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025
The drop has been precipitous, too.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
But the most precipitous drop really occurred upon our swift and effective implementation of the President's proclamation in June of 2024 that restricted the ability of individuals to claim asylum at our southern border.
—Steve Inskeep, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precipitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precipitous
Adjective
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This comes as the Trump administration has faced growing criticisms for its hurried proceedings to remove as many noncitizens from the country as quickly as possible.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
26 Apr. 2025
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In Alentejo, food is meant to be shared, and time at the table is never hurried, and this is a central element of the experience at São Lourenço do Barrocal.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This gorgeous option has distressed floral medallions that look lived-in for vintage charm, all without a steep price point.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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But Trump’s steep tariffs on Canada, and threats to its sovereignty, dramatically transformed the race.—
Hira Humayun,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Every Met asked about Lindor’s three-run shot made sure to mention Tyrone Taylor’s hustle down the line one batter earlier, to prevent an inning-ending double play.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
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Yellow Taxi Fellow New Yorkers know how magical the city can be in the summertime, and what better way to evoke the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple than with the iconic taxi cab yellow.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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However, other states anticipate more rain: Southern Alaska, Hawaii, southern Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and New England will be lucky enough to at least cool off in some precipitation alongside the record-breaking temperatures.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2025
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The sudden drop in precipitation could bring elevated fire danger, according to a NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Then, all of a sudden, one of those teams had one of the top five players in the league fall right in its lap.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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On April 28th, a sudden frequency drop in Spain’s power grid triggered cascading shutdowns, leaving millions without power.—
Mark Le Dain,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
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One was a ‘mad rush’ of top eligible players, other scenarios had the rebuilding teams [the four rising teams] as being less aggressive.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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However, that must've been on the back of an adrenaline rush, because after being listed as doubtful on the initial injury report, Tatum has been ruled out for Game 2 on Thursday.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Research shows that suicide tends to be a fairly impulsive act during short-term crises.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Research shows that those who score higher in emotional intelligence are less impulsive and better able to persist through difficult tasks.—
Kevin Kruse,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While no supporter — surely — would swap any of that frenetic, headlong decade for Tottenham’s inert version of stability, glory becomes addictive.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
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This endless, headlong energy can produce a caffeinated buzz that rises to the brain on little prickling bubbles of enjoyment.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Precipitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precipitous. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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