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 While Punch certainly lacks the devastating power of, say, Adolescence, Graham’s play about the ripples of a single impulsive act is certainly not without its impact. Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025 Stewart-Allen believes Disney’s actions with Kimmel were impulsive. Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 Susannah was a kindhearted but sometimes impulsive woman. Sarah John, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025 Do not trust impulsive purchases or financial decisions. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
  • Our study shows that obsessive passion cuts the chances of forming sustainable relationships through networking by 17%.
    Sarah Maokosy, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • So that’s kind of why so many artists are obsessive with hustling, with always being on the road or always being in the studio.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This potential hindrance to growth adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile policy outlook.
    John Melloy, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The remnants of a tropical storm that brought steamy rain and a volatile atmosphere to the Bay Area last week have faded, according to the National Weather Service.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The specific steps that partners of compulsive gamblers might take to mitigate and prevent financial damage will depend on their family’s circumstances.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Experts say this can sometimes be linked to compulsive behaviors, but medical issues involving the brain, nerves, or pain should be ruled out first.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cumming plays Gustav Fletching, the eccentric ringmaster of the Fletching and Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities, which existing fans know plays a huge role kickstarting the narrative of the campaign two.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Schiaparelli was founded in Paris in 1927 by Elsa Schiaparelli and became synonymous with eccentric and surreal designs.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Weekday dinners, spontaneous hikes and running downhill with their dogs are all part of the routine.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Our results suggest that children are actually capable of spontaneous logical strategy discovery much earlier when circumstances require it.
    Celeste Kidd, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Darker options—like black or burnished gold—are sleek and moody, while natural wood frames feel organic and warm.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
  • One driven by style (a moody palette of earth tones sets the scene for the three-story inn) and by booking the hottest dinner reservation in town (the fine dining restaurant, Matilda, is one worth traveling for).
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 1 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
  • Aldo has found the immigration system capricious and confusing.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Other stars, such as Kylie Jenner and Paris Hilton, added whimsical twists and early 2000s nods to their front-row beauty at Haider Ackermann’s first presentation for Tom Ford and Isabel Marant’s spring 2026 show, respectively.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Some whimsical examples include the Woolly Worm Festival in North Carolina, the East Texas Yamboree in Texas, and Blairsville Sorghum Festival in Georgia.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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