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.

As none of the other adults seemed to share Dr. Thatcher's philosophy, the evening came to an early, uneasy end: "A premature death," as Dr. Thatcher phrased it.

From Literature

The president's lawyers argued that the Florida court "has established a high burden for granting a motion to stay discovery", adding that it would be "premature" to delay.

From BBC

Lowering sodium levels in packaged and prepared foods could lead to major improvements in heart health and prevent large numbers of heart attacks, strokes, and premature deaths in France and the United Kingdom.

From Science Daily

I was three months premature; my lungs were underdeveloped; I weighed two pounds and barely spanned the length of the doctor’s hand.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s premature to conclude that value stocks have begun their long-anticipated resurgence over growth stocks.

From MarketWatch

premature

Example Sentences

Related Words