1
as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge
an impulsive purchase of a very expensive jacket
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
prone to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions
an impulsive woman who never seems to have the same opinion about anything for longer than 10 minutes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in capriciousness
an inclination to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions
his irrepressible impulsiveness sometimes got him into trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of impulsive
Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
Although bad things do happen to him, they are often caused by his own careless and impulsive nature.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Move slowly and be careful about impulsive ideas and actions.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
Ellie is rash and impulsive; Dina is lovestruck; Jesse is loyal and selfless.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Adjective
Limit Alcohol Alcohol is high in calories and promotes impulsive behavior like overeating.11 Experts generally recommend limiting alcohol when trying to lose weight.
—Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
Although bad things do happen to him, they are often caused by his own careless and impulsive nature.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Move slowly and be careful about impulsive ideas and actions.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
Ellie is rash and impulsive; Dina is lovestruck; Jesse is loyal and selfless.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
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Straight heads-down obsessive preoccupation with landing at AGI.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
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But my other obsessive pursuits did not possess that game-like quality, did not satisfy the thrill of the chase, of competition against myself.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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Rising prices, fomenting trade wars, and uncertainty about when tariffs will go into effect has led to a volatile economic climate.—
Boone Ashworth,
Wired News,
4 June 2025
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Shortly after, Mars will square Uranus on June 15, creating a volatile energy between your desire for personal freedom and autonomy, versus unpredictable events that shake up your day-to-day routines and sense of stability.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Balancing compulsive watchability with a touch of class, the company is still trying to break the mold while simultaneously catering to the masses.—
Tim Grierson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
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Non-purging methods like compulsive fasting or excessive exercise following a meal are also sometimes diagnosed as a form of bulimia.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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The general public quickly soured to the idea of the eccentric CEO playing a key role in the administration.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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After establishing the eccentric lawyer’s journey into crimefighting, Elsbeth was able to build upon that foundation in season 2.—
Alamin Yohannes,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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For travelers looking for nearby, spontaneous adventures, Airbnb’s summer report also shares the top trending domestic destinations among US guests this summer, with unique stays ranging from cozy cabins to beach house retreats.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Yet for shows like the one in Houston, Erivo is aiming for something looser, more spontaneous, slightly lower-key.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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The brick colorway is especially dreamy, a mix of terracotta and mocha that feels both moody and soothing at the same time.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
24 May 2025
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Teens may be moody, glued to their phones, or reluctant to try new foods or wake up early for tours.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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The suit alleges that the NSF’s actions are illegally arbitrary and capricious and violate federal law on the management and use of federal funding.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
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On these grounds, the courts have consistently held that state waivers imposing work requirements not only fail to promote Medicaid’s objectives but amount to an arbitrary and capricious effort to undermine those objectives.—
Colin Gordon,
The Conversation,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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That track was light, whimsical, and, at only a minute and a half, brief.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
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In their first cover, for the June 16, 2025, issue, Aoki celebrates the animal’s playful and whimsical nature.—
Françoise Mouly,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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