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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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
  • Her songs feel urgent and unfiltered; Rodrigo sings about the negative sides of herself, too, whether that’s feelings of jealousy or obsession.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Torres recommends establishing a coverage plan ahead of cold and flu season, so employees know who will take their shift or handle urgent work.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of urgent
Adjective
  • In some parts of Africa, the obstacles to foreign investment are more acute.
    — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For instance, a patient might be admitted for diverticulitis (primary diagnosis), but found on post-op labs to have acute blood-loss anemia (secondary diagnosis).
    — Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of acute

Browse Nearby Words

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 9 Oct. 2026.

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