URGENT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

urgent

adjective

ˈər-jənt

Definition of urgent

as in acute

needing immediate attention I will need to put off everything but the most urgent issues

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 urgent One person experiences conflict as an urgent threat to the relationship and needs to resolve it immediately. — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 Starters are expected to play only a handful of snaps, but coaches want a crisp, urgent showing to erase last week’s disappointing showing against the 49ers. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In taking such decisive action, Tony Petitti’s league didn’t just address an urgent issue in real time. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Because of statutory age limits, the boy could not be charged, leaving the tragedy to serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for responsible gun storage and child access prevention laws. — Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for urgent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for urgent

Adjective

Since his father was a British navy chaplain, his family moved regularly, and with that came an acute sense of place.

— Irene Borger, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
Their partnership also sharpened her already acute sense of humor.

— Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of acute

Adjective

Twenty-two percent cited forecast accuracy and supplier delays as equally pressing.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
However, experts say that won’t result in operational missiles soon — or address Ukraine’s most pressing needs in its war against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

— Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of pressing

Adjective

Despite that trend, roughly half of young adults still report regular drinking, often with dire health impacts.

— Brian Mann, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026
This summer, Boise’s City Council approved a plan for the mayor to potentially curtail lawn watering if things get drier and dire.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of dire

Adjective

Utilities have raised rates to pay for wildfire prevention and recovery as climate change has made the blazes more intense and frequent.

— Sophie Austin, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Electrolyte beverages can help replenish hydration after an intense workout or stomach bug.

— Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

Her brand-strategy background, paired with Ennismore’s hotel know-how (Luura is part of its Morgans Originals collection), makes for a pretty compelling combination.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Deep-sea expeditions offer access to a form of adventure that is both universally compelling and all but unreachable.

— Brett Berk, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of compelling

Adjective

Blue spaces have been touted as an emergent wellness benefit based on recent research showing coastal lifestyles linked to lower cortisol, higher reported happiness levels and sleep enhancement.

— Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The studio is built to design and develop first-person action RPGs where players can create their own experiences with emergent game systems.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of emergent

Adjective

Meanwhile, investigators continue to run lab analyses on DNA found at her home as the desperate search for Guthrie continues.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
The kitchen is the AI-buildout sector, desperate to turn some $2 trillion into vast reserves of computing capacity by the end of next year.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of desperate

Adjective

The critical consensus on the Croisette was similarly effusive.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Restrictions on energy, electricity or critical minerals, something Ford also floated, could instead raise costs for American companies and consumers by making key inputs more expensive or harder to obtain.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of critical

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urgency

urgent

urges

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“Urgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urgent. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of urgent

adjective

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