IMPULSIVE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

impulsive

adjective

im-ˈpəl-siv

Definition of impulsive next

as in obsessive

caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge an impulsive purchase of a very expensive jacket

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in volatile

prone to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions an impulsive woman who never seems to have the same opinion about anything for longer than 10 minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Instead of impulsive purchases and behaviors, people in the midst of a midlife crisis are really just struggling with kitchen table issues, including tending to their physical and mental health and supporting extended family. —

Tristan Bove, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026 Bernthal’s Jack becomes increasingly impulsive and unhinged. —

Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Fired from her day job, an impulsive actress crashes a support group and spirals into a chaotic night that forces her to face her addiction to drama. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026 That seemed impulsive, unnecessary and damaging. —

Mike Sando, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impulsive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive

Adjective

How to stop limerence Of course, recognizing that an obsessive attachment is unhealthy usually isn’t enough to make strong feelings disappear.

— Jenna Ryu, SELF, 6 Feb. 2026
Season 4 focuses on the search for a missing Navajo girl, which takes Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito from the safety of Navajo Nation to the gritty terrain of 1970s Los Angeles in a race against the clock to save her from an obsessive killer with ties to organized crime.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026

Definition of obsessive

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“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 11 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of impulsive

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