IMPULSE Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

impulse

noun

ˈim-ˌpəls

Definition of impulse next

as in incentive

something that arouses action or activity the new auto factory was just the impulse that the local economy needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inclination

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing the universal, fundamental impulse of self-preservation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 For the better part of the last 63 years, the NFL has steered clear of scheduling Saturday games while school is in session, only to watch in bemusement as college football’s expansionist impulses have undone a lifetime of studied avoidance. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 Dec. 2024 The impulse is understandable given Canada’s population is much smaller, at just under 40 million, and the brand’s desire to create richer shopping experiences. —

David Moin, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024 Phases And Faces Of The Moon The poetic impulses powering ‘Moonlight Rhapsody’ spring from El Khalil’s recognition of the existential challenges that our planet, and all its life forms, have experienced over the last two years—and continue to face. —

Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 The symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity mean people with ADHD may have trouble staying organized, concentrating, managing time or controlling impulses, which can affect all areas of life. —

Kristen Rogers, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impulse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse

Noun

While much of the Republican tax agenda involves continuing measures the party passed in 2017, Mr. Trump and other Republicans have floated additional ideas, including no taxes on tips and new incentives for corporations to manufacture in the United States.

Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Bad Bunny critiques the pro-statehood party for prioritizing foreign investments and tax incentives at the expense of local communities.

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025