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
  • In his inital letter, Lehmkuhl agreed that there is an urgent need to clear debris and address the persistent odor of millions of pounds of rotting food at the site.
    — Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • The industry conversation around funding reform is urgent precisely because this generation deserves a system that matches their ambition and offers them a future.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of urgent
Adjective
  • The Irkutsk region, home to a Rosneft oil refinery, has experienced acute shortages for several days, with lines growing, Kharitonenko said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • Extensive evidence suggests that treating acute psychiatric conditions in an ED setting yields poor clinical outcomes.
    — Ian West, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of acute

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imports
importunate
importune
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“Importunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importunate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on importunate

Nglish: Translation of importunate for Spanish Speakers

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