HEADLONG Synonyms: 153 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'headlong' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of headlong are abrupt , impetuous , precipitate , and sudden . While all these words mean "showing undue haste or unexpectedness," headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought. // a headlong flight from arrest

Q: When is 'abrupt' a more appropriate choice than 'headlong'?

The synonyms abrupt and headlong are sometimes interchangeable, but abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony. // an abrupt refusal

Q: In what contexts can 'impetuous' take the place of 'headlong'?

While the synonyms impetuous and headlong are close in meaning, impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness. // an impetuous lover proposing marriage

Q: Where would 'precipitate' be a reasonable alternative to 'headlong'?

In some situations, the words precipitate and headlong are roughly equivalent. However, precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action. // the army's precipitate withdrawal

Q: When would 'sudden' be a good substitute for 'headlong'?

The words sudden and headlong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action. // flew into a sudden rage

headlong 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhed-ˌlȯŋ

Definition of headlong

as in hurried

acting or done with excessive or careless speed terrified forest creatures in a headlong retreat from the rapidly spreading fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

headlong

2 of 2

adverb

ˈhed-ˈlȯŋ

as in hastily

with excessive or careless speed plunged headlong into the crowd in pursuit of the purse snatcher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in immediately

without delay had barely finished the last project when we went headlong into the next one

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective headlong contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of headlong are abrupt, impetuous, precipitate, and sudden. While all these words mean "showing undue haste or unexpectedness," headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought.

a headlong flight from arrest

When is abrupt a more appropriate choice than headlong?

The synonyms abrupt and headlong are sometimes interchangeable, but abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony.

an abrupt refusal

In what contexts can impetuous take the place of headlong?

While the synonyms impetuous and headlong are close in meaning, impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness.

an impetuous lover proposing marriage

Where would precipitate be a reasonable alternative to headlong?

In some situations, the words precipitate and headlong are roughly equivalent. However, precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action.

the army's precipitate withdrawal

When would sudden be a good substitute for headlong?

The words sudden and headlong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action.

flew into a sudden rage

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 headlong

Adjective

After the 25-year headlong casualization of fashion and with the pandemic shift to work from home unwinding, everybody is becoming just a little more formal again, said Sonia Lapinsky, leader of fashion retail and managing director at AlixPartners. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 24 July 2026 The headlong rush of Na’s bonkers would-be international blockbuster left Cannes alternatively awed, befuddled and thrilled. — ABC News, 18 May 2026

Adverb

But the company’s green ambitions ran headlong into its commercial aims. — Matt Day, Fortune, 9 July 2026 The show was so sure-footed in its initial outing, but has ultimately tumbled headlong into a grease trap of its own making, aiming for pungent but landing on precious. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for headlong

Recent Examples of Synonyms for headlong

Adjective

Homemade enchiladas might sound like a laborious weekend project, but with a few clever tricks, this version made with black beans and pumpkin can be whipped up on even the most hurried of work nights.

— Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
Dooley emphasized the preliminary nature of the ruling and the hurried nature of the litigation preceding it in a short, 12-page decision.

— Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurried

Adverb

Federal policy now allows businesses to deduct domestic research costs immediately, leaving more capital available for engineers, prototypes, and equipment.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
There was little in the way of heavy equipment immediately available.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of immediately

Adjective

Critics, including Commissioners Christine King and Damian Pardo, call it a rushed effort that could be paid for with existing tax dollars without asking voters for more.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
The teen’s family has said this was a rushed judgment that did not involve a thorough enough investigation.

— Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Definition of rushed

Adverb

Her husband hurriedly shut the door and begged her to see a doctor for a tranquilizer prescription.

— Elvira Navarro, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Antonelli hurriedly informed his race engineer, Peter Bonnington, who had been regularly reminding the Italian to adhere to track limits throughout the race and to look after his car.

— Luke Smith, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of hurriedly

Adverb

Report a new lump, thickened area, persistent ulcer or unexplained bleeding promptly.

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2026
When Weiss and her aides shift coverage closer to Israel’s point of view, their actions promptly leak to outlets like the Guardian and Status, the daily media newsletter that has relentlessly chronicled Weiss’ real and perceived missteps.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of promptly

Adjective

Some people may also become more impulsive, choosing the quickest or easiest option simply to avoid the stress of making a decision.

— Kriti Kumar, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Add to that discretionary recurring expenses like streaming subscriptions and some impulsive spending, and individuals can easily wind up with little room between their income and their expenses, Olson says.

— Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of impulsive

Adverb

After a long night in the privacy of his room, Godwin impulsively painted over the wallpaper that covered the ceiling with a creamy white paint.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Moore plays Mona, a meek, thoroughly unseen wife and mother who impulsively decides to audition for a community theater musical despite having no experience.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of impulsively

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headlines

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headman

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“Headlong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headlong. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of headlong

adjective

adverb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to headlong

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