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.

The arithmetic that made counterdrone technology urgent is embarrassingly simple.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

The family has filed a complaint with the Equatorial Guinean police and demanded urgent action from the authorities.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

It happened that the Epstein files were released just as I set off for Carmarthen, and the work suddenly felt even more urgent.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

This highlights the urgent need for easier and less invasive screening methods, especially as cases continue to rise among younger adults for reasons that remain unclear.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

“I held on to it to give to his widow. After I got word from Saint Catharines, I’ve been holding it for you,” Old Joseph said, his voice growing more urgent.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

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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