precipitate

6 synonyms and 4 antonyms for precipitate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To cause something to happen suddenly, often before it is ready to.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

fall

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

hasty

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

headlong precipitant precipitous overhasty

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To cause something to happen suddenly, often before it is ready to.

“The scandal precipitated his resignation within days.”

fall headlong

2. adjective

Acting with reckless haste; hasty or rash.

“He regretted the precipitate decision to quit without another job lined up.”

precipitant precipitous hasty overhasty

Opposites

leisurely slow dilatory prudent

How to use precipitate

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

precipitate a crisis precipitate out a precipitate decision

Etymology

From Latin praecipitare, \"to throw headlong,\" from praeceps, \"headfirst\" — the same root as precipice.

Full origin of precipitate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “precipitate” mean?

The word “precipitate” means to cause something to happen suddenly, often before it is ready to. In plain terms, to trigger something suddenly (verb), or to describe an action taken too hastily (adjective) — plus a specific chemistry meaning for a solid forming out of a liquid.

How do you pronounce “precipitate”?

“Precipitate” is pronounced prih-SIH-pih-tayt (/pɹɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “precipitate” in a sentence?

Here is “precipitate” used in a sentence: “The scandal precipitated his resignation within days.”

What is another word for “precipitate”?

Words with a similar meaning to “precipitate” include headlong.

What part of speech is “precipitate”?

Depending on how it is used, “precipitate” can be a verb and an adjective.

Where does the word “precipitate” come from?

The word “precipitate” comes from Latin. From Latin praecipitare, \"to throw headlong,\" from praeceps, \"headfirst\" — the same root as precipice.

How many meanings does “precipitate” have?

“Precipitate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cause something to happen suddenly, often before it is ready to.

People also searched

fall slow prudent hasty precipitous precipitant leisurely headlong dilatory

Nearby words

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