urgent

adjective

ur·​gent ˈər-jənt How to pronounce urgent (audio)
Synonyms of urgent
1
a
: calling for immediate attention : pressing
urgent appeals
problems of an urgent nature
an urgent need
b
: conveying a sense of urgency
an urgent voice
2
: urging insistently : importunate
an urgent lover
urgently adverb

Synonyms of urgent

Relevance
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Examples of urgent in a Sentence

We've come to deliver an urgent message. an urgent appeal for assistance He addressed us in an urgent manner. An urgent voice came over the intercom, telling us to leave the building immediately.
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.
Rice’s recent focus has been as the head of ceremonies and content for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games — but now Rice focuses on a more urgent task. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 With the Bajaria ouster done and dusted, the industry’s eyes are now trained on film chief Dan Lin, who held an urgent meeting with the film team at the company on Thursday night to go over the shake up. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 Get urgent medical attention for a newly swollen eye during a sinus infection. — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 As Puerto Rico continues to grapple with the long aftermath of Hurricane Maria — from an unreliable electrical grid to ongoing water shortages — the need for stories that see the island as more than a backdrop feels especially urgent. — Johanna Ferreira, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for urgent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin urgent-, urgens, present participle of urgēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of urgent was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing urgent

Rhymes for urgent

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Browse Nearby Words

urgency
urgent
urgent care
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Cite this Entry

“Urgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urgent. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

urgent

adjective
ur·​gent ˈər-jənt How to pronounce urgent (audio)
1
a
: calling for immediate attention : pressing
an urgent need for food
b
: indicating an urgent desire or need
an urgent manner
2
: urging very earnestly
urgently adverb
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