impatience

noun

im·​pa·​tience (ˌ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce impatience (audio)
Synonyms of impatiencenext
: the quality or state of being impatient

Synonyms of impatience

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Examples of impatience in a Sentence

the child's impatience for Christmas morning is engaging
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Moon opposes Mars early, making impatience easier to trigger when comfort and action pull in different directions. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 However, the fact that the European ministers who provide funding for Ariane 6 balked at these upgrades may indicate growing impatience with the rocket’s cost. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2026 Bell has had to battle his own impatience in his rehab, and now wouldn’t be the time to turn back on that. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 In both cases, there is something at once magisterial and leadenly self-regarding about the melancholic rhythms of Cusk’s prose, with its stiff and stately syntax and its utter impatience with the real vagaries of difference. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impatience

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impatience was in the 13th century

Rhymes for impatience

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Browse Nearby Words

impaternate
impatience
impatiency
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Cite this Entry

“Impatience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impatience. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

impatience

noun
im·​pa·​tience (ˈ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce impatience (audio)
1
: lack of patience
2
: restless or eager desire
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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