Definition of impulsivenext

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 Bobby is smart and well-behaved; Skeeter is loud, charismatic, and impulsive, though ultimately good-hearted and well-intentioned. Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026 But the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until a person reaches their mid-to-late 20s, making young people more susceptible to impulsive behavior while gambling. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026 The underlying songwriting is impulsive, but many tracks adopt a deliberately sedate mood or sort through dense clusters of cut-up loops, and Alfa’s spatialization gives the album a pallor that can resemble brain fog. H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026 Then the coach known as the most impulsive man on an NFL sideline runs that stop sign, grits his teeth and breaks unbound into character. Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
  • However, popular culture can’t fully explain why summer camps hold such a nostalgic and almost obsessive place in the nation’s collective consciousness.
    Derek H. Alderman, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • Lestat’s mother, Gabriella (Jennifer Ehle), now a vampire, too, resented Nicky’s physical and mental weakness, and Lestat found himself in a twisted love triangle with the obsessive Armand and the increasingly unwell Nicky.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Gonzalo Fuentes | Reuters Global stock markets have been volatile as investors continue to assess geopolitical risks in the Middle East, fundamentals and valuations of companies in the artificial intelligence (AI) market and key economic data.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • The crisis started after officials responded to GKN’s Garden Grove facility on May 21 and soon realized a volatile chemical tank was at risk of exploding or causing a major spill.
    Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Chronic decision fatigue can show up as procrastination, avoidance, irritability, indecisiveness, emotional numbness, compulsive information gathering or an overreliance on consensus.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • Experts say crime and violence are strongly linked to issues with impulse control, and the drugs appear to work on parts of the brain linked to compulsive behavior like overeating.
    Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • For Bielsa and Uruguay, this marks the end of an era in which many believe the Argentine coach lost control of the locker room and his relationship with the media became strained because of his eccentric and explosive personality, but, above all, a lack of wins.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Midnight in The Garden Of Good And Evil John Berendt's 1994 book follows a real-life murder trial in Savannah, Georgia, but it's filled with the eccentric characters that thrive in Savannah's unique social scene.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • First, bringing tried-and-true basics allows for spontaneous styling, rather than trying to plan every outfit ahead of time.
    Abby Moore, InStyle, 24 June 2026
  • The spontaneous pregnancy was so rare that even some medical professionals struggled to explain its odds.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • And an even bigger concern, Powers said, is the administration’s capricious approach to project permitting.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 June 2026
  • Sabalenka and Shnaider had to navigate its more capricious cousin.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Chocolate brown While rich, moody chocolate is most often associated with fall, this summer is a major exception.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 June 2026
  • If vibrant hues aren't your thing, there are plenty of moodier options that still can fit in in the warmer months.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shaped like mini versions of their namesake fruits, these whimsical, pillowy marshmallows get their sweet strawberry and watermelon flavors from strawberry powder, watermelon powder, and natural flavors.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026
  • Shopping editor Audrey Lee included this delightful throw pillow in her editor picks and is partial to its whimsical design.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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