importunate

adjective

im-ˈpȯr-chə-nət How to pronounce importunate (audio)
Definition of importunatenext
as in urgent
needing immediate attention the demands of the chairmanship were becoming too importunate for me to continue without an assistant

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 importunate Dragonfly males are so importunate that some females play dead to avoid their advances. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importunate
  1. urgent
  2. acute
Adjective
  • Susan Lilly, the TFPD’s public information officer, tells THR that the TFPD assessed the scene for urgent life-safety concerns, such as live electrical wires near pooled water, and then ceded it to the Telluride School District.
    — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • The announcement comes after a group of Ashaninka Indigenous leaders began meetings with federal officials in Brasilia, Brazil's capital, seeking urgent protection for their territory.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of urgent
Adjective
  • However, Venus is getting some harsh contact from Mars and Saturn, which probably feels most acute on August 21, when Venus opposes Saturn.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
  • These figures reflect the dismal state of rural-health-care infrastructure, which is particularly acute in maternity care.
    — Keith Humphreys, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
Definition of acute

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imports
importunate
importune
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Cite this Entry

“Importunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importunate. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on importunate

Nglish: Translation of importunate for Spanish Speakers

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