Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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 impulse This impulse includes narrowing the definition of human rights and shrinking or eliminating foreign aid. Time, 3 Sep. 2025 The dip-buying impulse hasn't gone away, though, with traders cutting the S & P 500 losses almost in half from earlier lows. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025 But new research suggests this impulse may be a social survival tool dating back millions of years. Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2025 Research suggests that those unable to regulate their media use struggle with cognitive control, such as less control over their impulses and greater distractibility. Angelica Mari, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
Noun
  • The projects received millions in state and local tax incentives after promising to create thousands of new jobs.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Both the Kansas and Missouri legislatures have extended the team’s incentive package deadlines to give them more time to make a decision.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kinloch noted the Legislature has shown no inclination to advance bills that create arena taxes.
    Malachi Barrett, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Vesting oversight primarily in defense departments and ministries is a traditional inclination.
    GARY ROUGHEAD, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Almost exactly a year ago, Glasnow’s absence provided the impetus for Roberts’ rallying cry that carried the Dodgers to October.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • That was the impetus to reimagine that story.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nowadays people see small images on their phones so there’s a tendency to crop in on everything.
    Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With that said, his biggest flaw remains a tendency to sail throws high from the pocket.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • How Resources Strengthen Innovation Across Teams Ideas need encouragement and resources.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Fearing immigration consequences, the woman delayed reporting the attack but eventually came forward with a family member’s encouragement.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Some analysts are forecasting the company to raise prices on its devices even after all Cook has done to avoid the worst of the tariffs.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • All devices are slated for release in Europe shortly, and Roborock says that the robot lawn mowers will come to the US eventually.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Miran has been critical of the Fed in the past, specifically taking issues with its aggressive stimulus during the Covid crisis.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In 2022, the British prime minister backed a mini-budget featuring a raft of unfunded fiscal stimulus, spooking the City to the extent that the pound spiraled to its lowest value ever against the dollar.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Herbert’s top-10 aptitude would’ve exposed Olave to fewer dangerous hits.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This leads him to discover an unexpected aptitude for cracking safes, turning his life upside down.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impulse

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