Synonym Chooser

How does the noun impulse contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impulse are goad, incentive, inducement, motive, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

In what contexts can goad take the place of impulse?

In some situations, the words goad and impulse are roughly equivalent. However, goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Where would incentive be a reasonable alternative to impulse?

The words incentive and impulse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When would inducement be a good substitute for impulse?

The words inducement and impulse can be used in similar contexts, but inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When can motive be used instead of impulse?

The meanings of motive and impulse largely overlap; however, motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

When is spur a more appropriate choice than impulse?

Although the words spur and impulse have much in common, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

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 impulse What a shame that the modern historical record fails to support such a noble impulse... William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 At the same time, Egoyan’s impulses lean toward a kind of wry melodrama, and a slew of narrative developments and hidden agendas. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 His scientific bona fides are at odds with the impulses of his boss, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2025 Lively and Reynolds’ side believe confidentially is so at risk and the impulse to leak the media by the other side is so great that an Attorney’s Eyes Only order is needed. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
Noun
  • Europe and China both have incentives to step up, for different reasons and with different priorities.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The contract, Schefter said, could be worth up to $7 million with incentives.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But several other populist Trump allies who have shown no inclination to leave power have made their judiciaries a central target.
    Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The report cites a growing consumer inclination toward advanced lip care solutions, and effective alternatives to traditional lip balms and glosses.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Despite this impetus for change, progress remains slow given the potential rewards.
    Ozan Ozerk, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • After Thursday’s performance, where Postecoglou’s best-available line-up seemed to find the magic of Ange-ball once again, a flat first half and eventual defeat delivered by a side propped up by fringe players killed that impetus again.
    Elias Burke, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This inherent human tendency, which already harms people and society in an analog setting, is exacerbated by the circumstances of today's world.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • It's thought that morning people act with more awareness because of their tendency to sleep better and have less fatigue or inattention.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • After encouragement from several key players in conversations over the winter, Baldelli implemented the idea this spring.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • With encouragement from her daughter, Hannah (played by Abby Ryder Fortson), Maggie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately learning to love herself and to treat those around her with greater kindness.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The combination of IoT and AI enables connected devices to collect, analyze and act on data in real-time.
    Rahul Saluja, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Just in time for Christmas, certain members of Congress are hard at work in their policy shops, fashioning a massive lump of cybersecurity coal with which to gift American users of electronic devices.
    David Williams, National Review, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This brain activity leads to the provocative conclusion that people with fibromyalgia don’t simply have lower thresholds for reporting a stimulus as painful.
    Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • In fact, leading economists agree that health care price transparency will free up $1 trillion in our economy every year, generating an enormous economic stimulus while reining in the runaway costs plaguing businesses nationwide.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Officials in the Navy recruit heavily at a handful of tech schools, including M.I.T., Georgia Tech, and Carnegie Mellon, to find students with the knowledge and the aptitude to carry out such demanding tasks as operating nuclear reactors on aircraft carriers.
    Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
  • This is different from notions of strengths and weaknesses, personality, aptitude or things like that.
    Michael B. Horn, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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