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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.

Cheng has deflected questions about her position, saying recently it was "premature" to discuss a final solution and what was needed now was "peaceful and stable cross-strait relations."

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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

At least eight children who were evacuated from Gaza as premature babies in the early weeks of the war, have returned from Egypt and been reunited with their relatives.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

But only nine months after Tommy was born, Luke arrived premature.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter