Importune — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb adjective /ˌim-pər-ˈtün/ im·por·tune

Meaning & Definition of Importune

Importune (verb)

  1. to press or urge with troublesome persistence
  2. to request or beg for urgently
  3. annoy, trouble

Importune (adjective)

  1. importunate

Importune (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner

    "she was always importuning people for favors, even when she had no right to ask"

    similar: appeal (to), beg, beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, petition, plead (to), pray, solicit, supplicate, call on
    related: bludge (chiefly Australian & New Zealand), cadge, mooch, sponge, ask, desire, invoke, request, claim, coerce, command, compel, demand, force, insist, require
    near: hint, imply, intimate, suggest, appease, conciliate, gratify, mollify, oblige, pacify, placate, please, satisfy, comfort, console, content, quiet

Importune (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in distressing, burdensome

    similar: burdensome, discomforting, displeasing, disquieting, distressing, importunate, inconveniencing, abrasive, aggravating, annoying, bothersome, carking, chafing, disturbing, exasperating, frustrating, galling, irksome, irritating, maddening, nettlesome, nettling, peeving, pesky, pestiferous, pestilent, pestilential, pesty, plaguey, rankling, rebarbative, riling, vexatious, vexing, angering, enraging, infuriating, brattish, bratty, mischievous, offensive, troublesome, upsetting, distractive, painful, stressful, tiresome, troubling, trying, worrisome, biting, grating, jangling, jarring, spiny, thorny
    opposite: delightful, pleasing

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Importune

The most common words with a similar meaning to Importune:

appeal (to), beg, beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, petition, plead (to), pray, solicit, supplicate, call on, burdensome, discomforting, displeasing, disquieting, distressing, importunate, inconveniencing, abrasive, aggravating, annoying, bothersome, carking, chafing, disturbing, exasperating, frustrating, galling, irksome, irritating, maddening, nettlesome, nettling, peeving, pesky, pestiferous, pestilent

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Importune

Words with the opposite meaning of Importune:

delightful, pleasing

Related Words for Importune

bludge, cadge, mooch, sponge, ask, desire, invoke, request, claim, coerce, command, compel, demand, force, insist, require

Near Antonyms of Importune

hint, imply, intimate, suggest, appease, conciliate, gratify, mollify, oblige, pacify, placate, please, satisfy, comfort, console, content, quiet

Word Forms of Importune

Inflections: importuned, importuning, importunes

Derived words: importuner (noun), importunely (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Importune

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French importuner "to tire, annoy by inappropriate persistence," borrowed from Medieval Latin importūnāre "to harass, pester," verbal derivative of Latin importūnus "unfavorable, inconvenient, adverse, troublesome, relentless" importune:2

First known use: 1530t

Frequently Asked Questions about Importune

What does "Importune" mean?

"Importune" means to press or urge with troublesome persistence. As an a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: to press or urge with troublesome persistence. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Importune"?

Other words for "Importune" include appeal (to), beg, beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate and implore. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Importune" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Importune"?

There are 86 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Importune". Common alternatives include appeal (to), beg, beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, petition and plead (to).

What is the opposite of "Importune"?

Antonyms of "Importune" include delightful and pleasing. Near antonyms include hint, imply, intimate and suggest.

How do you use "Importune" in a sentence?

Examples of "Importune" in a sentence: "she was always importuning people for favors, even when she had no right to ask".

Is "Importune" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Importune" can be used as a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Importune"?

"Importune" is pronounced /ˌim-pər-ˈtün/ and divided into syllables as im·por·tune.

What is the origin of the word "Importune"?

"Importune" comes from borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French importuner "to tire, annoy by inappropriate persistence," borrowed from Medieval Latin importūnāre "to harass, pester," verbal derivative of Latin importūnus "unfavorable, inconvenient, adverse, troublesome, relentless" importune:2. First known use: 1530t.