URGENT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

urgent

adjective

ˈər-jənt

Definition of urgent

as in acute

needing immediate attention I will need to put off everything but the most urgent issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 urgent One person experiences conflict as an urgent threat to the relationship and needs to resolve it immediately. — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 Starters are expected to play only a handful of snaps, but coaches want a crisp, urgent showing to erase last week’s disappointing showing against the 49ers. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In taking such decisive action, Tony Petitti’s league didn’t just address an urgent issue in real time. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Because of statutory age limits, the boy could not be charged, leaving the tragedy to serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for responsible gun storage and child access prevention laws. — Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for urgent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for urgent

Adjective

Since his father was a British navy chaplain, his family moved regularly, and with that came an acute sense of place.

— Irene Borger, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
Their partnership also sharpened her already acute sense of humor.

— Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of acute

Adjective

Twenty-two percent cited forecast accuracy and supplier delays as equally pressing.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
However, experts say that won’t result in operational missiles soon — or address Ukraine’s most pressing needs in its war against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

— Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of pressing

Adjective

Motion Applied brings experience from motorsport, where power electronics face rapid load changes and intense operating conditions.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
As if this weren’t enough for one day, Venus will also make its debut in the secretive and smoldering sign of Scorpio, where the love planet trades light-hearted flirtation for something deeper and way more intense.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

How widespread those changes will be is a compelling question.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
This involves understanding and speaking the client's language, translating complex technology into tangible business outcomes, and delivering compelling presentations.

— William Arruda, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of compelling

Adjective

Apply Herbicides If there are patches of nutgrass spreading in your lawn, a post-emergent herbicide can help.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026
Blue spaces have been touted as an emergent wellness benefit based on recent research showing coastal lifestyles linked to lower cortisol, higher reported happiness levels and sleep enhancement.

— Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of emergent

Adjective

Predecessor Eddie Howe had been desperate to bring the Belgian to the club.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Yoon has defended his action, calling it a desperate attempt to draw public support for his fight against the liberal opposition Democratic Party that obstructed his agenda.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of desperate

Adjective

Engineers can develop critical reactor hardware internally while sourcing mature technologies elsewhere.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
The mere possibility of losing its critical space assets in a surprise attack could push the United States to use its forces early or to delegate launch authority in ways that raise the risk of an accident, to avoid the devastating consequences.

— Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of critical

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urgency

urgent

urges

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“Urgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urgent. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of urgent

adjective

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