SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
precipitate
verb
To cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than expected.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Cause abruptly
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topPrecipitate emphasizes sudden onset or an earlier-than-expected event. Hasten and accelerate can refer to a process already underway.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See precipitate in use
A leaked draft could precipitate a public dispute.
An unexpected decision to print that evening could precipitate the revisions a week sooner than the group had planned.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license