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 The first impulse when trying to humanize the interaction is to turn chatbots into the main and only point of contact with customers. Lucas Persona, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Such imagining, however, like an impulse, was a dead end. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025 Run with a creative impulse while Mercury swims through Cancer! Usa Today, USA Today, 8 June 2025 Shows about money gratified both people’s escapist impulses and the desire to critique those who didn’t seem worthy of their blessings. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
Noun
  • This prompted the lawmaker to question why someone would want to run away from these incentives and avoid detection.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 25 June 2025
  • While American pharmaceutical development exhibits signs of institutional sclerosis, China’s system demonstrates the power of aligned incentives, streamlined processes, and strategic coordination between regulatory bodies, research institutions, and industry players.
    Greg Licholai MD, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • And, swear to God, my inclination to be a doctor was that.
    Kimberly Dishongh, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • And Just Like That is out of a inclination to see Carrie continue to live her messy and fabulous life as a pretty egregiously out-of-touch Manhattan socialite.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Israel’s contention that Iran would soon be able to build a nuclear weapon was the impetus for the conflict, which began with Israel Defense Forces strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and against Iran’s military and nuclear program scientists on the night of June 12-13.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 24 June 2025
  • Tyler Grill said the festival has brought nearly 100,000 people in the city, which was the impetus for starting an annual festival in Bushnell Park.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Having been sober for many decades herself, Bev recognizes the narcissism of addiction, the way addicts have a tendency to put themselves at the center of the universe.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • But beneath the surface, there’s often a fragile sense of self, defended by a deep need for control, an inability to tolerate shame, and a tendency to distort reality in ways that protect their internal world at the expense of those around them.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • For 16 years, the book quietly traveled in Sofia’s backpack, a secret project that blossomed into a treasure trove of encouragement and heartfelt memories.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Rather than targeted, cautiously executed uses, many throw generative AI at any task imaginable, with Big Tech’s encouragement.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 June 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
  • This psychological process, as first described by Ivan Pavlov, explains how our brains learn to associate unrelated stimuli with specific emotional outcomes.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Triggered by sensory stimuli such as music, scents and foods, nostalgia has the power to mentally transport us back in time.
    Chelsea Reid, The Conversation, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The ‘lucky’ question Jeff Bezos always asked interviewees at Amazon Attitude has long been as important as aptitude at Amazon.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
  • Girard’s size, and the idea that Colorado is a small-ish team that needs more grit and defensive aptitude in the playoffs, also lead people back to him as a trade candidate.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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