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 Ultimately, though, Chelsea’s commitment to Rick and her hope for his peace are no match for Rick’s pain, and his impulses ignite a gunfight that catches Chelsea in its midst. Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 So is the impulse to satisfy that urge through drugs. ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025 Chasten passions and impulses, the Indian texts counsel, in order to be able to distinguish opportunity from danger, friend from pretender, good advice from folly. John Nemec, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025 Glasgow urged companies to resist the impulse to rewrite values based on digital outrage. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
Noun
  • Additionally, there was the buyout and retirement incentives of another 3,000 employees.
    Mike Dombeck, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Therefore, there should be incentive for everyone to work collectively to get rid of STDs and give any efforts to do so more than a slow clap, so to speak.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Stolarz’s inclination to shout instructions at teammates on the ice, often with serious levels of hostility in the name of competition, comes to him naturally.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs are designed for a combination of reasons, including protecting domestic markets; inviting foreign investment; and becoming more effective using capabilities, inclinations, and talents in other parts of the world.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yet it must be acknowledged that the impetus for the freezing of federal dollars for certain universities was a crisis for Jewish students, caused by the failure of college administrators to counter antisemitism and the harassment of Jews on campus.
    Christian Schneider, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Likewise, the impetus may be the same for McDonald’s customers.
    BYAlex Ledsom, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The tendency in the forecast has been for the front to set up across southeast portions of the Kansas City forecast area.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • According to Limon-Rocha, various life stressors—such as starting a new school, being bullied, losing a beloved pet, or having a family member with health issues—can all trigger perfectionist tendencies.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Those responses were the encouragement Mez needed.
    Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Supporters shouted encouragement and waved signs outside or drove by tapping their car horns.
    GARY FIELDS, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Most taxpayers eligible for economic impact payments, known as stimulus checks, have already received them.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This tool could change how NC police test for DWIs April 4, 2025 3:38 PM Read Next North Carolina Could NC residents get a $5,000 DOGE stimulus check in 2025?
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His and Hubbard's distinct approaches underscore the region’s aptitude for versatility.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
  • According to the archaeologists, the transition from stone to bone was a feat of abstract thinking, requiring an aptitude in toolmaking and an appreciation that the knapping techniques that worked on one material would also work on another.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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