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

Examples of impulsive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Through it all, Rivera captures the boyish charm and goofy charisma of Hernandez's public persona, while instilling his moments of doubt and impulsive rage with unsettling force. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 17 Sep. 2024 The final straw seems to be the threat of returning home for SAT prep courses on a Sunday, but while Penelope’s decision to leave at that exact moment may be impulsive, her decision to leave in general has been long gestating. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2024 But Gabby, as defensive and cautious as Isabella is impulsive, offers no happy reunion. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 15 Sep. 2024 Taddeo co-wrote the fifth episode with her now-husband, Jackson Waite, and the show fictionalizes their relationship, an impulsive hookup that grows more serious as Gia gets pregnant and Jack (John Patrick Amedori) follows her around the country. Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impulsive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impulsive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near impulsive

Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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