1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the impertinent child had a smart answer for everything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rude
showing a lack of manners or consideration for others
impertinent salesmen who telephone people during the dinner hour
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in irrelevant
not having anything to do with the matter at hand
your résumé needlessly lists skills that are impertinent to the job for which you are applying
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 impertinent
This should be said with a beatific bridal smile — the sincerity of which Miss Manners hopes your guests will be questioning for the rest of their rude and impertinent lives.
—
Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024
Starting out as a stand-up in her native Detroit and then getting her big break on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In in 1969, Tomlin, now 84, invented iconic characters — from Ernestine, an impertinent telephone operator, to Edith Ann, a precocious 5-year-old — both absurd and sweet but undeniably human.
—Jason Sheeler, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024
Beyond the Biennale, Christoph Büchel’s frenzied exhibition at the Fondazione Prada assembles mountains of junk and jewels into an impertinent exposé of wealth and debt, colonialism and collecting.
—Jason Farago, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2024
The initial inquiry about aftershave was impertinent and, as it was delivered to the whole room, could simply have been ignored.
—Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for impertinent
Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024
Starting out as a stand-up in her native Detroit and then getting her big break on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In in 1969, Tomlin, now 84, invented iconic characters — from Ernestine, an impertinent telephone operator, to Edith Ann, a precocious 5-year-old — both absurd and sweet but undeniably human.
—Jason Sheeler, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024
Beyond the Biennale, Christoph Büchel’s frenzied exhibition at the Fondazione Prada assembles mountains of junk and jewels into an impertinent exposé of wealth and debt, colonialism and collecting.
—Jason Farago, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2024
The initial inquiry about aftershave was impertinent and, as it was delivered to the whole room, could simply have been ignored.
—Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for impertinent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impertinent
Adjective
-
Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Consulting with a financial advisor experienced in bear markets may also be wise.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
My question: Was there any way to have prevented this rude woman from stealing away all of my guests? GENTLE READER: Counter-questions: Did the boss and his wife drop the guests off before the emergency furniture move?—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Since then, the stepmother has proved to be mean and rude on multiple occasions, the bride wrote.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
They’re beautifully designed and thoroughly approved—but quickly irrelevant.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Wherever Detroit falls in the standings should be irrelevant Friday, though.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Fortunately, Snow White’s newfound enlightenment does not deny her the possibility of romance, although princes are now strictly off-limits; her love interest here is a fetchingly impudent bandit, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), who is leading a scrappy rebellion against the Evil Queen.—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
-
One chord appears to speak to the other, sounding almost impudent in their simplicity, equal parts ecstatic and heartbreakingly melancholic.—
Sam Davies,
Rolling Stone,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Parthenope is inscrutable yet expressive, insolent yet heroic, magnetic yet unattainable, loving yet selfish.—
Mike Miller,
EW.com,
12 Feb. 2025
-
The officers weren't rude, angry, or insolent — as required of a battery conviction — and used their training and legal authority to do their jobs.—
Ryan Murphy,
The Indianapolis Star,
2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
On paper, this might sound like a bold step toward addressing the climate crisis.—
George Peppas,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Sticking with the same formula is a bold move for Nintendo, which rarely does the same thing twice.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Again, an astute grader would undoubtedly catch your brazen attempt and ding you points accordingly.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The boisterous comedian lights up the stage with sly wit and brazen confidence, conveying Moss’ righteous fury over being bottom of the office food chain.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Before that storm has even passed, for example, cocky doc Tom Cole (Pennyworth‘s Jack Bannon) manages to get wrapped up in a love triangle with two female colleagues, planting kisses on them in separate wings of the hospital.—
Rebecca Luther,
TVLine,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Kilmer’s Maverick would be cocky but also raw, exposed.—
John DeVore,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impertinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impertinent. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share