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 Grouped here and there upon the pavement or store step, sat breathless listeners, impulsive to catch ... Erin Alberty, Axios, 14 Apr. 2025 Tom is going to be Tom forever, and that's what makes Tom great, and that's what gives Tom problems sometimes, is that Tom is impulsive. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Her argument is often contradictory and impulsive, working backward from a paradisiacal climax, leapfrogging over almost every practical concern—and plenty of ethical ones too. Audrey Wollen, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 What began as an impulsive decision turned into an unforgettable journey, one that gave her the opportunity to experience the U.S. in a way few travelers do. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
  • Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley reprises his role as the charming yet obsessive serial killer, Joe, who is returning to where his story began: New York City.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Issues of urban renewal, the value of public art, the difficulty of being married to an obsessive artist and lots more run through Workman’s film.
    Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s what their analysis found: Only 8.4% of investors executed trades on any of those days, reacting to the volatile market by buying or selling stocks.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Core inflation, which excludes more volatile energy, food, alcohol and tobacco prices, rose by 3.4% in the year to March, down slightly from 3.5% in February.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 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
  • Each episode is a mini movie, existing in its own world with a unique tone and vibe, featuring an eccentric lot of characters played by a truly gonzo parade of guest stars.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The participants, most of whom were women, underwent a two-week control period before completing four weeks of an eccentric exercise routine.
    Kristen Fischer, Health, 17 Apr. 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 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
  • 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
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
  • For fans of marmalade sandwiches and whimsical bear adventures, this Notting Hill property may feel oddly familiar—and for good reason.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Anthropologie Somerset maxi: $168 (Anthropologie) Anthropologie’s Somerset maxi dress offers a romantic vibe—with flutter sleeves, a tiered skirt and several whimsical prints, this dress is ideal for garden weddings or rustic ceremonies.
    Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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