Synonym Chooser

How is the word impulsive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of impulsive are automatic, instinctive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

In what contexts can automatic take the place of impulsive?

The words automatic and impulsive can be used in similar contexts, but automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When is instinctive a more appropriate choice than impulsive?

In some situations, the words instinctive and impulsive are roughly equivalent. However, instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When can mechanical be used instead of impulsive?

Although the words mechanical and impulsive have much in common, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When might spontaneous be a better fit than impulsive?

While in some cases nearly identical to impulsive, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

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 impulsive That cognitive burden can lead to impulsive choices, mental exhaustion, and a tendency to avoid decision-making altogether. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 To tell the story of a middle-aged man’s impulsive leap into restaurant ownership, he’s gathered an accomplished cast wielding effortless charm. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025 Could this change in spending from non-essential items to more essential ones mean a realignment away from impulsive internet purchases and toward more bare essentials? Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 More love games for Ellie and Dina The show’s framing of Dina is overall very different, giving her much deeper tactical knowledge and street smarts than the more impulsive Ellie. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
  • The film centers on Chomsky, an obsessive radio journalist who investigates the incident, uncovering a network of corruption, political manipulation and media spectacle.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • The protests were meant to provoke a response; the obsessive smearing signals that the disruption is doing its work.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the problems are caused by a volatile economic landscape.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • Trump’s supporters are grasping for justifications for a volatile stock market and looming price increases.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The result is compulsive checking, like a gambler at a slot machine.
    Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • You might be obsessed about something or have compulsive feelings.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This eccentric novel—by turns a workplace comedy, a philosophical inquisition, and a smorgasbord of bodily horror—is given life by Larraquy’s electric prose and by the merciless passions of his characters.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
  • Meanwhile over at Rolling Stone, David Fear praises the film for staying true to the series’ gentle, eccentric tone that never fails to be filled with empathy.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Pockets of time when most parents are homebound are now ripe for spontaneous hangouts, especially because their kids can entertain one another.
    Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
  • But most mutations are acquired — from lifestyle, environmental exposures, or spontaneous errors during cell division.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Moore House Design Moore House Design created a moody atmosphere in the main bedroom of a Portsmouth, Rhode Island, home by painting the walls in Sherwin-Williams’ Enduring Bronze.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Last year, black cherry was the fruit of the season—nails and lips were drenched in the moody color, and pulse points spritzed with the juicy fruit’s aroma.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The lawsuit argues the cuts are ‘arbitrary and capricious’ and unconstitutional.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
  • Its leaders see an opportunity to better position China as a less capricious partner to the Middle East, the global South, and even Europe.
    Chang Che, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Garden Graduation is all about creating a whimsical experience with floral outdoor place settings, picnic-style decor with gingham throws, and charcuterie boards.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
  • In a whimsical yet poignant exploration, Perry draws inspiration from the realm of Outsider Art, sparked by the discovery that visionary artist Madge Gill (1882–1961) once exhibited within these very walls, in 1942.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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