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impulse

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of impulse

1 something that arouses action or activity

the new auto factory was just the impulse that the local economy needed

Synonyms for impulse

Words Related to impulse

Phrases Synonymous with impulse

shot in the arm

Antonyms for impulse

2 a habitual attraction to some activity or thing

the universal, fundamental impulse of self-preservation

Synonyms for impulse

Words Related to impulse

Near Antonyms for impulse

Frequently Asked Questions About impulse

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