PRECOCIOUS Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

precocious

adjective

pri-ˈkō-shəs

Definition of precocious

as in early

occurring before the usual or expected time a precocious baldness makes him look older than he really is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 precocious The rookie’s performance called to mind what linebackers coach Frank Bush had said last week about his precocious pupil. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026 Eddie saw a fiery, competitive streak in his younger brother at a precocious age. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 The coming-of-age comedy follows Chloe Moon (played by Abiera), a precocious middle schooler obsessed with true-crime podcasts who dreams of becoming an investigative journalist. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026 In the hit 1996 film, Lipnicki played Ray, the exceptionally precocious son of Renée Zellweger’s Dorothy, a single mom and Cruise’s love interest. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precocious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precocious

Adjective

From crisp cotton sheets to cozy comforters and decorative quilts, early holiday sales are already giving shoppers plenty of reasons to give their bedroom a refresh.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
The shooting took place early Monday morning at Moss Landing State Beach.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of early

Adjective

The performance is bringing a sudden wave of attention, which the 26-year-old actor is navigating with help from family, friends and firm boundaries.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Testing methodology Extreme forces driving modern aerospace and defense systems expose structural materials to rapid deformation, crushing pressure, and sudden failure.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

Unlike Newman or Brando, Monroe never reached old age, and her legend was shaped in no small part by her untimely death.

— Ben Croll, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
To fill the three-act showcase, tracing Diana’s life from childhood up to her untimely death in 1997, Plant has emptied out her entire collection.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of untimely

Browse Nearby Words

precocial

precocious

precociously

See all Nearby Words

Articles Related to precocious

Cite this Entry

Style

“Precocious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precocious. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of precocious

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Challenging Standardized Test Words...

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

9 Odd (but essential!) Words Sung in...

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wabi-sabi

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes