1
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
2
as in inclination
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing
the universal, fundamental impulse of self-preservation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of impulse
Early motherhood is fleeting, and the impulse to soak up every moment is human.
—
Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez,
CNN Money,
30 June 2026
On June 30, the day begins with Mars in Gemini forming a square to the Nodes of Destiny, creating friction between our immediate impulses and the direction we’re meant to go towards.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
This, more than anything, is the impulse that has made the Costume Institute a hit.
—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
For Han, who grew up with it, the impulse was personal and precise.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for impulse
Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez,
CNN Money,
30 June 2026
On June 30, the day begins with Mars in Gemini forming a square to the Nodes of Destiny, creating friction between our immediate impulses and the direction we’re meant to go towards.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
This, more than anything, is the impulse that has made the Costume Institute a hit.
—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
For Han, who grew up with it, the impulse was personal and precise.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
Noun
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Nearly a year after the expiration of a $7,500 federal tax incentive for new electric vehicles, California is stepping in to try to motivate buyers to go electric.
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The attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Noun
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Spiritual progress requires fighting against the natural downward inclination of our souls—though fighting, oddly, is also the problem.
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Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.
Noun
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Whether the impetus is to satisfy a desire for seclusion or to achieve the investment benefits that development allows, these three properties, triangulated across the globe, open up new frontiers and ways of living.
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Not much separated these two teams over 90 minutes, with limited attacking impetus and much of the game being played in midfield.
Noun
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These deciduous trees are invasive in many areas because of their aggressive roots that spread wide and far, and their tendency to take over native plants.
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This is largely because about half of autistic children have a tendency to wander away from safe environments.
Noun
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Once all but deserted, the town experienced a revival in 1965, when artists and musicians began to flock there after encouragement from the Yugoslav government.
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Alexandria government roasted for absurd anti-fireworks tweet The government of Alexandria tweeted Wednesday a blunt warning about fireworks — and encouragement to snitch on your neighbors.
Noun
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But none of that has happened, and Hamas rejected a new disarmament proposal in March that would force it to give up its tunnel network as well as rockets, heavy munitions, explosive devices and assault rifles before any Israel withdrawal.
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This one from Amazon is only $36 and can keep your devices charged for up to one week on a single charge.
Noun
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But if productivity growth is low, then stimulus just turns into inflation—too many dollars chasing too few goods.
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By integrating smart shades into the components of major smart home ecosystems (those supporting Matter, Thread, Zigbee, or Z-Wave specifically), these systems can react to real-time stimuli.
Noun
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The future of talent acquisition will require hiring more for aptitude, adaptability and leadership potential—and less for perfectly linear résumés.
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The North Korean players’ physical aptitude was clear, but coaches were aware of their technical and tactical shortcomings.
Cite this Entry
“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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