inopportune

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˌä-pər-ˈtün How to pronounce inopportune (audio)
Definition of inopportunenext
as in unexpected
occurring before the usual or expected time their inopportune arrival before the house was cleaned

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 inopportune The ultra-violent mayhem simply doesn’t fit well with such comic touches as Hank continuing to carry the parakeet in the birdcage around even while being chased by the bad guys and Ben experiencing a panic attack at an inopportune moment. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Knowing how to recognize the signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan can save you from an inconvenient breakdown (or worse, water damage) at an inopportune moment. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026 The accusation comes at an inopportune time, when Microsoft is trying to optimize Windows 11 for 8GB of RAM and PC makers are developing less expensive hardware to compete with Apple’s MacBook Neo. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026 Getty Images The Philadelphia Phillies are in the final days before the MLB trade deadline searching for answers to an offense that has stalled at an inopportune time. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inopportune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inopportune
  1. unexpected
  2. early
  3. premature
  4. sudden
  5. untimely
  6. precocious
Adjective
  • Key Takeaways The experiment revealed an unexpected way to manipulate the weak magnetism inside an atomic nucleus.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Still, something unexpected may force you to try a different method, schedule, or approach that ends up working better.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of unexpected
Adjective
  • In August 2023, Bangs offered LaGrone an earlier plea agreement under which he would have been sentenced to 25 years in prison, according to a record in the district clerk’s file.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Staying invested The survey, conducted between late August and early September, included 2,029 American investors with at least $10,000 in investable assets and 538 financial advisers and financial professionals.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of early
Adjective
  • Ramirez, who was born and raised in La Cañada Flintridge and worked at the resort in the 1990s, said the news release was premature.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • During pregnancy, invasive listeriosis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in newborns.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of premature
Adjective
  • Lucy leaves their countryside home with Johnny immediately, going straight to her mother’s house ( Catherine Deneuve plays mom), but avoids telling her, or anyone else, the specifics of this sudden separation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • All of a sudden, the war took on a more present form, unsettling a kingdom unused to conflicts playing out on home turf.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of sudden
Adjective
  • Senna holds an immortal presence in modern Formula 1 for the manner of his racing—ferocious, endowed with grace—and for his untimely death.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Bulldogs’ streak of 53 consecutive wins against unranked teams came to an end with a 27-24 loss keyed by three Gunner Stockton turnovers, untimely penalties and a fresh Tigers team coming off a bye week that won at the line of scrimmage.
    — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of untimely
Adjective
  • The rookie’s performance called to mind what linebackers coach Frank Bush had said last week about his precocious pupil.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Eddie saw a fiery, competitive streak in his younger brother at a precocious age.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of precocious

Browse Nearby Words

inoperative
inopportune
inopportunely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inopportune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inopportune. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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