Definitions

urgent

[ur-juhnt] / ˈɜr dʒənt /

ADJECTIVE

needing immediate attention

Synonyms

STRONGEST

compelling critical crucial demanding essential immediate imperative important indispensable necessary persuasive pressing serious vital weighty

WEAK

burning called-for capital chief clamant clamorous crying demanded driving exigent foremost heavy hurry-up impelling importunate insistent instant leading life and death momentous paramount primary principal required salient top-priority touch and go touchy wanted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

easy facile inessential insignificant light minor needless nonessential optional secondary small trivial uncritical unimportant unnecessary unsubstantial voluntary

WEAK

moderate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Imagine a swarm of robots rushing to complete an urgent job, such as cleaning up an oil spill or assembling complex machinery.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

Phillipson said the government was taking "urgent action" to lay the guidance before Parliament after the local elections in England and national elections in Scotland and Wales on 7 May.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Video from inside the animal urgent care shows the tiny puppy sitting outside the entrance and jumping up on the door before staff members spotted it at 4:11 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

"For our part, that means delivering a variety of great films to all kinds of audiences. But you, my friends, have an urgent part to play."

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

The dreadful knot of cold fear in her chest chilled her arms and legs, urgent pinpricks that pushed her forward.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Vocabulary lists containing urgent

A Long Walk to Water

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List 7

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Bud, Not Buddy

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