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 Trump’s and Musk’s natures have always been impulsive. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 June 2025 This ruling held that mandatory life sentences for minors violate the Constitution, since adolescents and young adults are notably impulsive, highly susceptible to peer pressure, and often unable to assess long-term consequences. Elizabeth Hinton, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025 These groups are targeted because they are either perceived as trusting, impulsive or unfamiliar with how digital scams operate. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025 Similarly to Libra, there are many components to her vibe that juxtapose each other, making her level-headed and impulsive. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
  • And Williams really stuck the landing by disclosing a relatable flaw: obsessive rule-following.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • Even the most obsessive dancing queen will find fresh storytelling and breadth in these pages.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the character brandishes a firearm and things eventually come to blows in physical tussles over the course of the volatile evening, Gallo's script never loses grip on the tender undercurrent of intimacy established back in Ponyboi's shower.
    EW.com, EW.com, 27 June 2025
  • Budget Pressure Is Driving Clarity The reflex in volatile markets is often to scale up teams or stack more tools.
    Jeremy Barnett, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Smith resorted to compulsive prayer and attempting to reason with the obsessions as a way of bringing about a respite to his struggles.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
  • That’s almost as rom-com-relatable as compulsive klutziness.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a story about how the father and mother grow closer together through this eccentric child.
    Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
  • Tobias is a quirky, eccentric and immensely talented choreographer, always wearing headphones.
    Peter White, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Dating rocks involves using radiometric techniques that harness the natural and spontaneous radioactive decay of certain elements in the rock, which acts as a type of clock.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
  • The Bridgerton alum, fresh off his Richard II run, says Italy, cycling, spritzes, and spontaneous moments fuel his summer spirit.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • But no matter the depths Virgin explores lyrically, the propulsive rhythms and uplifting synths could easily get play time in a moody club.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
  • Her disarming, ethereal vocals soar as a subtle-yet-intentional drum beat sets the tone for this moody track.
    Luisa Calle, Billboard, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the Chinese have been toughened by prior experience with capricious and authoritarian-minded governments.
    Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 3 June 2025
  • Another source of distrust is the college admission process, which is largely seen as opaque and capricious.
    Mark Robison, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Pick up a map at the Visitor Center, then walk the town in search of each whimsical, photo-worthy piece of public art.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
  • Each one features a different whimsical dinner guest—a ladybug, striped beetle, and june bug.
    Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impulsive

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