precocious

adjective

pri-ˈkō-shəs How to pronounce precocious (audio)
Definition of precociousnext
as in early
occurring before the usual or expected time a precocious baldness makes him look older than he really is

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 precocious 25-year-old became a workout pal with James post-Covid 19 pandemic, the two bonding on their insatiable desire to do the work. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 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 Navigating the rocky road from precocious kid-commercial actor to an adult movie star isn’t easy, but Gisondo possesses a maturity and gravitas that belies his youthful appearance. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 There have been instances before of Kostoulas’ precocious talent. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precocious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precocious
  1. early
  2. premature
  3. unexpected
  4. sudden
  5. untimely
Adjective
  • In this golden age of cringe, that earlier art of transgression—with its tense silences, humiliations, and hostile disturbance of the performer-audience relationship—was channeled downstream.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That earlier aircraft established a historical precedent for using the Hercules platform in this specialized role.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of early
Adjective
  • Lured in by such shiny baubles, the responsible critic should avoid making premature, weepingly sincere pronouncements.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher announced Friday that Moore died from complications of cardiac dysrhythmia with premature ventricular contractions, a condition involving an abnormal heart rhythm.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of premature
Adjective
  • The pom-pom sandals at Givenchy were wonderful, fun, unexpected and exactly what fashion lovers are looking for from a spring runway show.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Be especially cautious about unexpected texts or calls that arrive afterward.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of unexpected
Adjective
  • All of a sudden, Bass was a staggering champion lunging at a revived Raman, who swung and stung and ducked the way only a hungry up-and-comer can.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Sagittarius Moon opposes Uranus, making a conversation, bit of news, or sudden change of perspective impossible to ignore.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sudden
Adjective
  • The Dolphins also must reduce the untimely penalties, especially among veterans, who are committing too many errors.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • And, the website polled those folks in August, before Dolphins fans knew the pain of losing to the Vikings without allowing a touchdown or Chop Robinson materializing just in time for an untimely penalty.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of untimely

Browse Nearby Words

precocial
precocious
precociously
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Cite this Entry

“Precocious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precocious. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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