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 Intrusive and impulsive thoughts are both involuntary and unexpected. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Mar. 2025 Johnny Lawrence In Cobra Kai, Johnny's bold, impulsive and fiercely competitive nature most resonates with fiery Aries. Athena Sobhan, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025 But rushing to find solutions can lead to impulsive behavior. Amy Morin, Contributor, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025 Financial preparedness gives you the freedom to make informed choices, not just impulsive ones. Marc Shaffer, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
  • Extreme deficits may lead to obsessive food tracking, anxiety around eating, or disordered eating patterns.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The remainder of the season Players have been encouraged by Howe to absorb the significance of their achievement, but this obsessive head coach will swiftly refocus — and then extend that message to the squad.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In Haiti, there hasn’t been a general election in nearly a decade; more than a million have been displaced by armed gang violence and the country’s volatile capital is on the verge of collapse.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a volatile stock market is compounded by fears of higher inflation amid a national consumer base losing confidence in their own economy.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Burse points out that ignoring pain or sickness to stick to a workout plan is a red flag for compulsive behavior.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Jack’s hunt for the treasure is seen as compulsive, almost an addiction, which triggered conflicting emotions in the filmmaker.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Mar. 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
  • Mentorship, professional development, and spontaneous idea-sharing are harder to replicate in virtual settings.
    Jason Wingard, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Gaga’s brassy belt brings out one of the album’s most passionate vocals from Bennett, who even lets out a spontaneous laugh toward the end of the song.
    Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The vibe: Tucked away in the back of 3rd & Fernwood at 1100 Metropolitan Ave, The Cocktail Lounge at 3rd offers an intimate setting with moody green lighting and seating for just 17 guests.
    Alexis Clinton, Axios, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Forget the dark and moody color palette that dominated fall and winter manicures for a moment; spring’s hottest nail trends are all about joy-inducing hues, delicate detailing, and unexpected accents.
    Mica Ricketts, refinery29.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • However, a blanket policy abdicating any enforcement responsibility could be challenged in lawsuits as arbitrary and capricious.
    Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This has been alternatively framed by Coca-Cola as an estoppel-like claim, a constitutional violation, an arbitrary and capricious agency action, or all of the above.
    Ryan Finley, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Use the soft color palette, whimsical background, and facial features inspired by Ghibli characters.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Design a whimsical, magical garden with these path ideas.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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