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Showing results for premature. Search instead for prematuren.
Definitions

premature

[pree-muh-choor, -toor, -tyoor, pree-muh-choor, prem-uh-, prem-uh-] / ˌpri məˈtʃʊər, -ˈtʊər, -ˈtyʊər, ˈpri məˌtʃʊər, ˌprɛm ə-, ˈprɛm ə- /
ADJECTIVE
earlier in occurrence than anticipated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
immature incomplete untimely
WEAK
a bit previous abortive early on embryonic forward green inopportune overearly oversoon precipitate predeveloped previous raw soon unanticipated undeveloped unfledged unripe
Antonyms
WEAK
backward careful cautious delayed late mature overdue prepared slow
ADJECTIVE
rash, impulsive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hasty ill-considered untimely
WEAK
half-baked half-cocked inopportune jumping the gun overhasty precipitate previous too soon
Antonyms
WEAK
backward careful cautious delayed late mature overdue prepared slow

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.

In an interview with Belly of the Beast, a Cuba-focused website, Jayapal described visiting a maternity hospital where they saw premature babies in incubators.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

She then gave birth to a severely premature child who died about two hours later.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Last June, the South Coast Air Quality Management District received more than 20,000 comments opposing a pair of clean air rules that would have prevented 2,500 premature deaths and 10,000 new cases of asthma.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Within boxing circles, that talk may be slightly premature but Itauma is keeping pace with two-time world champion Anthony Joshua.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

If Mrs. Someone-or-other was having premature contractions, she needed a bath in ginger to increase the supply of oxygen to the uterus.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover