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 Finally, as ever, the potential for rash, impulsive decisions with disastrous long-term consequences is never out of mind with this franchise. John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 When one patient, a new mother experiencing postpartum depression, commits an impulsive, desperate act, Linda is forced to contend with her own physically and emotionally unavailable husband. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025 The reasoning behind the ultimatum was not impulsive, per the source. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2025 An impulsive move can backfire. Usa Today, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
  • It was established in 1923 by founder Shinjiro Torii as the first venue dedicated to crafting Japanese whisky with the obsessive attention to detail that has made the spirit beloved worldwide.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The last few pages of the book include discussion questions parents or teachers can use to expand on the complex themes presented in the book to young readers, and more information about obsessive compulsive disorder.
    Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With a roster that includes Margot Robbie, Miles Teller and Brooke Shields, Ullman says tariff anxiety shoehorned into an already volatile market and tense political climate has pushed clients to be far more conservative.
    Trey Williams, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Gold has seen historic gains in 2025, its more-than-50% surge surpassing previous volatile periods such as after the September 11 attacks, the 2008 financial crisis or even the Covid-19 pandemic.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The last few pages of the book include discussion questions parents or teachers can use to expand on the complex themes presented in the book to young readers, and more information about obsessive compulsive disorder.
    Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Reasons for dogs to start barking include illness or injury, territorial response, acting as an alarm, attention seeking, greeting, compulsive, frustration or separation anxiety.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Best Shopping Shoreline Village Located in Rainbow Harbor, the waterfront Shoreline Village has a small collection of eccentric boutiques and clothing shops, such as the Village Hat Shop or the trendy Queen Mary Couture.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The former Arizona State standout has become known for his eccentric personality – both on and off the field.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, unlike beer or cheese, where microbes are intentionally introduced and controlled, fermentation in cocoa beans is a spontaneous process and largely uncontrolled.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025
  • And the Eagles are catching spontaneous migraines on third downs, ranking just 27th in converting them and 26th in defending them.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Hallmarks of the best Halloween travel destinations usually entail a moody fall landscape, local legends that involve a tetchy ghost, vampire, or other variety of ominous being, and themed activities like pumpkin patches and cemetery tours.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Her fashion was pared-back in comparison to her moody makeup, with an ultra-feminine, Old Hollywood approach.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The unions have asked the court to declare that both OMB and OPM have exceeded their statutory authority and acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, and to invalidate any actions that may come from the memos and guidance issued.
    Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
  • First, few outdoor sports are as capricious in terms of conditions as surfing.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As with many of Burton's best films, the real magic is the nuggets of human profundity hidden within the bleak imagery and whimsical comedy.
    Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The picture book is both written and illustrated by Knightley, 40, who tells a whimsical story about a young girl that wishes her new baby sister would be carried away by birds.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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