Synonym Chooser

How is the word impulsive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of impulsive are automatic, instinctive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

In what contexts can automatic take the place of impulsive?

The words automatic and impulsive can be used in similar contexts, but automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When is instinctive a more appropriate choice than impulsive?

In some situations, the words instinctive and impulsive are roughly equivalent. However, instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When can mechanical be used instead of impulsive?

Although the words mechanical and impulsive have much in common, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When might spontaneous be a better fit than impulsive?

While in some cases nearly identical to impulsive, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

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 impulsive Does the design encourage long-term financial health or short-term impulsive actions? Alex Kreger, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 This new approach may not be perfect or even work, but an unexamined or impulsive response likely has a lower chance of success. Kevin Eikenberry, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Falling in Love on the Road The decision to move in together wasn't entirely impulsive. William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025 Bold, impulsive and audacious — much like this Fire sign — Haley is always up for a challenge. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
  • The chef, Travis Lett, was obsessive about nearly everything—produce, sourcing, seasonality, herbs, spices, the chewiness of a hunk of sourdough or a pizza crust—and this obsessiveness resulted in a restaurant that was more or less flawless.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025
  • According to those close to Selena, Saldívar began to show obsessive behavior.
    Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But her life is unexpectedly upended by the arrival of a new student in her class: her charming but volatile younger brother Merritt.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
  • In volatile markets, that can be the difference between burning capital and building advantage.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Count My Lies centers on compulsive liar Sloane Caraway, who bluffs her way into a job as a nanny for a gorgeous and charismatic couple, Violet and Jay Lockhart.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The film explores the intersection of artistic expression, mental health and family dynamics through the story of social media sensation Sam Cox, whose compulsive doodling transformed his home into a black and white masterpiece that captured the public’s imagination.
    Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Ballad of Wallis Island sees Key play Charles, an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of reuniting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer, a duo played by Basden and Promising Young Woman's Carey Mulligan, for a private show.
    Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • He’s invited her along on a business trip, to the wilderness retreat of eccentric zillionaire Odell (Richard E. Grant), the head of a hugely lucrative pharmaceuticals company.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Both edibles offer fresh garnishes for daily use or spontaneous hosting.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Emerging from the city's urban landscape, his art is characterized by spontaneous compositions of pattern and form, often evolving through layers of spray paint, ink, and acrylic.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The firm’s signature contemporary organic style mixes natural materials with details that add a wow factor, like playful wall treatments, moody color palettes, and dazzling lighting.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The muted pink color combination adds just the perfect pop of color (without being too bright) to an otherwise moody or even neutral palette.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a technical argument that Harvard could and should make against this kind of general assertion: that the freeze is arbitrary and capricious, hence in violation of the federal Administrative Procedure Act.
    Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2025
  • To take a broad example, installing a capricious social media app that records your clicks, interactions, and outbound visits is not something that e/OS/ can protect you from.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Peeps, which come in pastel pink, yellow and purple, will add a whimsical touch to your decorations.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Part of the whimsical display included pieces upholstered with Hemispheres Collection textiles in Milan’s evocative Cinque Vie district.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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