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
Contrary to my initial impulse, my effort to play peacemaker was hardly heroic.
—
Bob Brody,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
Canetti saw the impulse to join a crowd as part of a deeply human desire to dissolve individual boundaries, to both lose yourself and experience a kind of emotional release, a sense of power, that comes with feeling many times larger than just your isolated self.
—
Boris Kachka,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
This isn’t the old yearning for peace and quiet, but an impulse to rail against such things.
—
Literary Hub,
19 June 2026
Its hybrid analog-digital approach allows Alfa free rein to actualize his impulses, while the meditative atmosphere prompts reflection on where those impulses come from.
—
H.d. Angel,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for impulse
Bob Brody,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
Canetti saw the impulse to join a crowd as part of a deeply human desire to dissolve individual boundaries, to both lose yourself and experience a kind of emotional release, a sense of power, that comes with feeling many times larger than just your isolated self.
—
Boris Kachka,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
This isn’t the old yearning for peace and quiet, but an impulse to rail against such things.
—
Literary Hub,
19 June 2026
Its hybrid analog-digital approach allows Alfa free rein to actualize his impulses, while the meditative atmosphere prompts reflection on where those impulses come from.
—
H.d. Angel,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
Noun
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The state has also earmarked $1 billion in incentives to lure the Chicago Bears to Hammond.
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The president’s willingness to offer sanctions relief and other incentives will need to be part of an eventual deal.
Noun
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Burdette, leveraging his brother’s connections with college athletes, and his natural inclination to bring the party, had recruited agents who were younger and more fun than Pughsley’s original crowd.
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Choosing a college major has always felt like a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries—new engineering and computer science grads earn more than those with English degrees.
Noun
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The analysts said recent talks between Japan and the Philippines over overlapping claims in their exclusive economic zones east of Taiwan may have been the impetus for the MSA mission east of Tawain.
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The impetus behind launching its agentic commerce platform lies in the changes in how consumers shop.
Noun
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The only real scoring chances arrived in the dying moments of a game that carried macabre tendencies, long after the match had devolved into a turf war.
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But the market’s tendency to parse imprecise (or overly precise) verbiage for hidden signals may not be easily extinguished.
Noun
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To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love.
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Moreover, what moves women forward is action rather than encouragement.
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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China also engineered a massive government stimulus package to stabilize its economy.
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Central banks thought that forward guidance, particularly when interest rates were very low, could provide additional market stimulus.
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 1 Jul. 2026.
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