impulse

noun

ˈim-ˌpəls How to pronounce impulse (audio)
Definition of impulsenext
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

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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

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 Muscle Stimulation — Ayers and Kim worked together on a study of whether sending electrical impulses into astronauts' legs can supplement exercise to combat muscular atrophy. —Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 18 July 2025 And that does a lot to quell the impulse to destroy. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 16 July 2025 Plans also call for racks of the devices to be distributed to stores, allowing them to be grabbed and purchased on impulse … just like gift cards. —Ben Coxworth july 14, New Atlas, 14 July 2025 The 10-episode first season explores whether Jessica and Felix can overcome their respective pasts and worst impulses to make their relationship work. —Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
  1. incentive
  2. inclination
  3. impetus
  4. tendency
  5. encouragement
  6. devices
  7. stimulus
  8. aptitude
Noun
  • Loyalty programs—built through airline partnerships, premium tiers and behavioral incentives—can further deepen trust and retention.
    — Baranitharan Venkatakrishnan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • During a Monday press conference, lawmakers and The Boring Co. officials did not share details on any incentives The Boring Co. receives.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • Our inclination might be to freeze event planning and ride out the storm, but history shows that innovation thrives in adversity.
    — Shawn Pierce, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket arced downrange over the Atlantic Ocean, heading northeast to place its payload into the Kuiper constellation at an inclination of 51.9 degrees to the equator.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2025
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • This served as a mighty impetus to spur the Space Race.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Whether the meeting was an impetus or not, the Padres took two of three from the National League East-leading Phillies.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Because many young parents grew up at a time when diseases like measles were not common, there can be a tendency to not recognize their seriousness.
    — Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
  • According to this report, such a tendency creates a false sense of immediacy, which can have a negative impact of real social relationships.
    — Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • Axios reported last month that Trump stopped short of endorsing Rogers during a February dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Republican senators, but offered encouragement.
    — M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Others shared words of encouragement and admiration for Savage.
    — Colson Thayer, People.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of encouragement
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
Definition of devices
Noun
  • To put it into perspective, the two 2020 and one 2021 stimulus checks issued to Americans from the stimulus package totaled around $931 billion in financial relief via the stimulus checks, according to reports from the Government Accountability Office in 2022.
    — Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 25 July 2025
  • The big story China’s economy requires more than short-term stimulus, even as deflationary pressures intensify.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 23 July 2025
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • This combination of process understanding and technical aptitude creates a powerful force for rapid, relevant application development.
    — Ed Jennings, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • That his tantalizing talent was matched by a preternatural aptitude.
    — Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Definition of aptitude

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impuissant
impulse
impulses
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Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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