Definitions

impetuous

[im-pech-oo-uhs] / ɪmˈpɛtʃ u əs /

ADJECTIVE

acting without thinking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ardent impulsive

WEAK

abrupt eager fervid fierce furious going off deep end hasty headlong hurried impassioned passionate precipitant precipitate precipitous rash restive rushing spontaneous spur-of-the-moment subitaneous sudden swift unbridled unexpected unplanned unpremeditated unreflecting unrestrained unthinking vehement violent

Antonyms

WEAK

calm cautious circumspect considerate reflective sensible thoughtful wise

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.

"When you come on and your team is losing it gives you that extra impetuous to try and change it."

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

The divide will test the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Mike Wirth, who will have to balance the wishes of an impetuous president with his obligation to shareholders to make prudent investments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

He distanced himself from his impetuous comments of recent weeks, when he described his season with Ferrari as "a nightmare" and said he was not looking forward to 2026.

From Barron's • Nov. 27, 2025

These qualities often result in impetuous and ill-considered actions and decisions.’

From Slate • Feb. 1, 2025

And likewise, two men prosper equally employing two different means, one being cautious and the other impetuous.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Vocabulary lists containing impetuous

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

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