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 That is the thing that more people should do, more people should question their impulse toward compassion and hold it up against what is moral. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 May 2025 She was driven by the same impulse in her reportage, but what guides her dispatch is her belief in the overriding importance of the United States never standing by in the future while a country exercises the kind of ruthless power that turns a vulnerable civilian population into mass victims. Nicolaus Mills, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025 After all, this transit encourages us to act on our heart’s desires with confidence and courage — just be sure to keep an eye on your impulses! Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 May 2025 Some of his early policies—not least his tariffs—have been implemented in messy ways, and have at times appeared to be driven by incompatible impulses. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
Noun
  • The plaintiffs accused the stars of being paid millions of dollars to endorse FTX without disclosing their financial incentives, a violation of federal and state advertising laws.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 8 May 2025
  • Additionally, the lead researcher of the database resigned last month by taking a separation incentive package.
    Tracy J. Wholf May 8, CBS News, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Analysts also see an inclination among some officials to keep certain communications private, not just from spies but also from government recordkeeping.
    Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2025
  • Conveniently dovetailing into some of the notions offered this weekend to Trump at Mar-a-Lago by Oscar-winner Voight and his team, Newsom’s pitch of a national tax incentive for big screen and small screen production is clearly aimed to appeal to Trump’s bigger-is-better inclinations.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • The state’s budget could be the impetus for a third special session of the General Assembly in as many years — especially if federal cuts to Medicaid materialize.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
  • So strong is the impetus to continue to try to be as hot as possible, at all costs.
    Mara Gordon, NPR, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Recent climate modeling results suggest that changes in annual precipitation in Florida will likely be modest, within about 10% of current average, with a tendency for wetter conditions in the northern part of the state and lesser precipitation in the south.
    Bob Maliva, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • Plus, no matter who's involved, humans have a natural tendency to pay close attention to danger and threats, especially if those threats have lurked without detection for so long.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • While Mahomes was at Texas Tech, his then-head coach and now the current Washington Commanders offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, asked Romo to write Mahomes a letter of encouragement.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • His defensive improvements at third offer encouragement about his future.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Chinese factory activity contracted at its fastest pace in 16 months in April, adding urgency to Beijing’s efforts to roll out fresh economic stimulus.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
  • Justin Sullivan | Getty Images China’s exports surged in April even as businesses bore the brunt of U.S. tariffs that kicked into higher gear last month, while imports narrowed declines as Beijing stepped up stimulus.
    Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Judging by the untended blisters on his knuckles and palms, however, Enzo doesn’t show much aptitude for it — to the extent that his supervisor drives the boy home one day to speak with his parents, surprised to discover that Enzo lives in a posh home with ocean views and a private pool.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • Hiring focuses on ability and aptitude, in companies that are focused on growth.
    Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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