headlong
4 synonyms and 1 antonym for headlong, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Head first, or with reckless, unrestrained speed.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adv
Head first, or with reckless, unrestrained speed.
“He dove headlong into the pool without checking the depth.”
Opposites
How to use headlong
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rush headlong
plunge headlong
headlong rush
Etymology
From Middle English hedlong, an old form reshaped by association with the word long, ultimately tied to head.
Full origin of headlong →Frequently asked questions
What does “headlong” mean?
The word “headlong” means head first, or with reckless, unrestrained speed. In plain terms, rushing forward carelessly or at full speed, without stopping to think.
How do you pronounce “headlong”?
“Headlong” is pronounced HEHD-long (/ˈhɛd.lɔŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “headlong” in a sentence?
Here is “headlong” used in a sentence: “He dove headlong into the pool without checking the depth.”
What is the opposite of “headlong”?
The opposite of “headlong” — its antonyms — is arselong.
What part of speech is “headlong”?
Depending on how it is used, “headlong” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Where does the word “headlong” come from?
The word “headlong” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hedlong, an old form reshaped by association with the word long, ultimately tied to head.
How many meanings does “headlong” have?
“Headlong” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: head first, or with reckless, unrestrained speed.
