1
as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge
an impulsive purchase of a very expensive jacket
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
To tell the story of a middle-aged man’s impulsive leap into restaurant ownership, he’s gathered an accomplished cast wielding effortless charm.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
Could this change in spending from non-essential items to more essential ones mean a realignment away from impulsive internet purchases and toward more bare essentials?
—Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
More love games for Ellie and Dina The show’s framing of Dina is overall very different, giving her much deeper tactical knowledge and street smarts than the more impulsive Ellie.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Adjective
That cognitive burden can lead to impulsive choices, mental exhaustion, and a tendency to avoid decision-making altogether.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
To tell the story of a middle-aged man’s impulsive leap into restaurant ownership, he’s gathered an accomplished cast wielding effortless charm.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
Could this change in spending from non-essential items to more essential ones mean a realignment away from impulsive internet purchases and toward more bare essentials?
—Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
More love games for Ellie and Dina The show’s framing of Dina is overall very different, giving her much deeper tactical knowledge and street smarts than the more impulsive Ellie.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
-
The film centers on Chomsky, an obsessive radio journalist who investigates the incident, uncovering a network of corruption, political manipulation and media spectacle.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
18 May 2025
-
The protests were meant to provoke a response; the obsessive smearing signals that the disruption is doing its work.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Other big miners, including archrivals BHP, Anglo American and Glencore, have steered clear of lithium, am important metal in batteries, but one which is also abundantly available puts suffers from extremely volatile pricing.—
Tim Treadgold,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Unlike traditional crypto payment providers that handle numerous volatile currencies, Coinsub Technology strategically specializes in stablecoins.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
There are also potential long-term effects on kittens separated too early, with studies showing that kittens taken from their mother too early may be increasingly vocal in stressful situations or at higher risk of developing compulsive behaviors or aggression.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 May 2025
-
That compulsive need for authority is a quality that Reubens’ friends and family members observed in him, going all the way back to his childhood.—
Dave Itzkoff,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
This eccentric novel—by turns a workplace comedy, a philosophical inquisition, and a smorgasbord of bodily horror—is given life by Larraquy’s electric prose and by the merciless passions of his characters.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
-
Meanwhile over at Rolling Stone, David Fear praises the film for staying true to the series’ gentle, eccentric tone that never fails to be filled with empathy.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Conversations are flirtatious and direct, so expect bold texts and spontaneous meetings.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
22 May 2025
-
Bilek said that proposals should be intentional moments, not spontaneous gestures, and partners should openly communicate expectations around commitment to avoid confusion or emotional harm.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
The former is a moody gym manager in New Mexico, and the latter is a professional bodybuilder who’s in town to train for an upcoming competition.—
James Factora,
Them.,
22 May 2025
-
Detective decor, candles and moody florals from Flowers by Janie set the scene.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
The lawsuit argues the cuts are ‘arbitrary and capricious’ and unconstitutional.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2025
-
Its leaders see an opportunity to better position China as a less capricious partner to the Middle East, the global South, and even Europe.—
Chang Che,
The Atlantic,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Garden Graduation is all about creating a whimsical experience with floral outdoor place settings, picnic-style decor with gingham throws, and charcuterie boards.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 May 2025
-
In a whimsical yet poignant exploration, Perry draws inspiration from the realm of Outsider Art, sparked by the discovery that visionary artist Madge Gill (1882–1961) once exhibited within these very walls, in 1942.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share