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headlong

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective headlong contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of headlong are abrupt, impetuous, precipitate, and sudden. While all these words mean "showing undue haste or unexpectedness," headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought.

a headlong flight from arrest

When is abrupt a more appropriate choice than headlong?

The synonyms abrupt and headlong are sometimes interchangeable, but abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony.

an abrupt refusal

In what contexts can impetuous take the place of headlong?

While the synonyms impetuous and headlong are close in meaning, impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness.

an impetuous lover proposing marriage

Where would precipitate be a reasonable alternative to headlong?

In some situations, the words precipitate and headlong are roughly equivalent. However, precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action.

the army's precipitate withdrawal

When would sudden be a good substitute for headlong?

The words sudden and headlong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action.

flew into a sudden rage

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of headlong
Adjective
The Trump administration may sell several federal properties in Fort Worth and Dallas as a part of its headlong attempt to slash federal spending. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025 The nuclear dilemma makes Tehran’s position all the more fraught, by likely forcing it into a headlong confrontation with the Trump White House. Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Adverb
And in that respect, there is a chance Starmer could drag the monarchy headlong into a major backlash, particularly with idealistic young people, whose support Charles is already struggling to maintain. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 European leaders are partly cooperating with progressive opinion in the United States in the fiction that Donald Trump and JD Vance are turning tail and rushing headlong into the ... Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for headlong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headlong
Adjective
  • The German foreign minister flew to the United States on February 2 and returned to Europe the same night in a hurried effort to convince Baker of the need for a nonexpansion pledge to secure German unification.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ryan Kalkbrenner blocked Troy D’Amico’s attempt at a winning 3-pointer in the final seconds, Isaiah Rivera missed a hurried 3 just before the buzzer and the Bluejays had forced overtime with an improbable comeback.
    Mike Fitzpatrick, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • This approach aims to instill doubt and urgency, increasing the chances that the victim will act hastily.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The comedian said that he was hastily escorted to the restroom.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • China is under pressure to negotiate a deal whether the tariffs take effect immediately or in three months, Ackman said in a post on X.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • These models are not immediately replacing user-facing interfaces like ChatGPT but are positioned as tools for developers building applications and services.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Several lawsuits claimed the drugstore chain failed to protect its customers and did not notify them of the incident promptly.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
  • If the government doesn't reimburse them promptly, the inspectors worry about having to pay the steep bills themselves.
    Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • What began as an impulsive decision turned into an unforgettable journey, one that gave her the opportunity to experience the U.S. in a way few travelers do.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This often leads to better returns than active trading, which generally incurs higher costs and taxes and stems from impulsive, emotional decision-making, experts said.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Should the Spurs need to hire a full-time coach to replace Gregg Popovich, who missed most of this season due to a stroke, Jenkins would instantly become a top candidate, league sources said.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Whether buying something online, splitting a bill or sending money across borders, people expect their money to move instantly.
    Marc Sacal, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This reckless governance has fueled a housing affordability crisis.
    Chris Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Now, as his reckless tariffs rattle markets and the stock market tumbles, the real cost of his policies is coming into view.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Small business owners like Lin say that even if their services aren’t impacted by tariffs recently announced by the Trump administration directly, consumers’ anxiety about the economy could hit their bottom line.
    Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Federal law bars the president from directly or indirectly ordering the IRS to conduct or terminate an audit or investigation.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Headlong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headlong. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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