Synonym Chooser

How does the noun impulse contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impulse are goad, incentive, inducement, motive, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

In what contexts can goad take the place of impulse?

In some situations, the words goad and impulse are roughly equivalent. However, goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Where would incentive be a reasonable alternative to impulse?

The words incentive and impulse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When would inducement be a good substitute for impulse?

The words inducement and impulse can be used in similar contexts, but inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When can motive be used instead of impulse?

The meanings of motive and impulse largely overlap; however, motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

When is spur a more appropriate choice than impulse?

Although the words spur and impulse have much in common, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

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 impulse And that mistake can prove costly for investors who feel an impulse to flee the stock market amid a steep downturn being fueled by President Donald Trump’s tariff policy and fears of an escalating global trade war. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025 That, combined with the lucrative opportunities of the American sports and entertainment market, intensifies the impulse to catapult teenage soccer phenoms into stardom. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 When given an accelerated countdown on your remaining days, some people’s impulses may lead them to rash decisions. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025 This escapement delivers two direct impulses to the balance with each oscillation, ensuring efficiency and a 72-hour power reserve. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
Noun
  • As such, there is little incentive for non-citizens to try to vote, Levitt said.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Trump says tariffs will force other countries to lower their own rates on U.S. goods and services, creating a more balanced economic playing field for U.S. exports and a strong incentive for companies to manufacture goods such as cars inside the U.S. to avoid paying the tax.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Stolarz’s inclination to shout instructions at teammates on the ice, often with serious levels of hostility in the name of competition, comes to him naturally.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs are designed for a combination of reasons, including protecting domestic markets; inviting foreign investment; and becoming more effective using capabilities, inclinations, and talents in other parts of the world.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Use this as an impetus to dig deep into your brand’s strategy, to diversify it, to reinforce any weak points—to be bold, get creative and innovate.
    Alison Bringé, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Pray that this can be an impetus for his conversion.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Understanding Home Bias As mentioned before, home bias is the tendency to over-invest in your home country.
    Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Traveling East might have been an appropriate tendency for early humans living in what is now Europe near the end of the Ice Age.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With Alex's encouragement and support, Spencer makes the difficult decision to stay behind and fight for the future of his family's ranch.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In return the buying club would receive Ferguson’s attendance at every home and away match as well as phonecalls offering encouragement to the team’s manager and players.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The combination of IoT and AI enables connected devices to collect, analyze and act on data in real-time.
    Rahul Saluja, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Just in time for Christmas, certain members of Congress are hard at work in their policy shops, fashioning a massive lump of cybersecurity coal with which to gift American users of electronic devices.
    David Williams, National Review, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Most taxpayers eligible for economic impact payments, known as stimulus checks, have already received them.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This tool could change how NC police test for DWIs April 4, 2025 3:38 PM Read Next North Carolina Could NC residents get a $5,000 DOGE stimulus check in 2025?
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His and Hubbard's distinct approaches underscore the region’s aptitude for versatility.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
  • According to the archaeologists, the transition from stone to bone was a feat of abstract thinking, requiring an aptitude in toolmaking and an appreciation that the knapping techniques that worked on one material would also work on another.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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