impulse

noun

ˈim-ˌpəls How to pronounce impulse (audio)
Definition of impulsenext
1
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity the new auto factory was just the impulse that the local economy needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inclination
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing the universal, fundamental impulse of self-preservation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The mathematicians’ impulse is inventive and, for them, stimulating. —Rebecca Coffey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 The device sends signals around the clock in someone who has Parkinson’s, but Shirvalkar thought a constant signal wouldn’t work for chronic pain because the brain can become acclimated to the impulses and essentially override them. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025 The issue is that if the impulses behind these choices are recognizable in theory, the characters themselves are broad to the point of abstraction. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025 But the board’s failure to probe more deeply transforms an understandable impulse into a sin of commission. —Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulse
  1. incentive
  2. inclination
  3. impetus
  4. tendency
  5. encouragement
  6. devices
  7. stimulus
  8. aptitude
Noun
  • The projects received millions in state and local tax incentives after promising to create thousands of new jobs.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Both the Kansas and Missouri legislatures have extended the team’s incentive package deadlines to give them more time to make a decision.
    — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • Kinloch noted the Legislature has shown no inclination to advance bills that create arena taxes.
    — Malachi Barrett, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Vesting oversight primarily in defense departments and ministries is a traditional inclination.
    — GARY ROUGHEAD, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • Almost exactly a year ago, Glasnow’s absence provided the impetus for Roberts’ rallying cry that carried the Dodgers to October.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • That was the impetus to reimagine that story.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Nowadays people see small images on their phones so there’s a tendency to crop in on everything.
    — Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With that said, his biggest flaw remains a tendency to sail throws high from the pocket.
    — Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • How Resources Strengthen Innovation Across Teams Ideas need encouragement and resources.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Fearing immigration consequences, the woman delayed reporting the attack but eventually came forward with a family member’s encouragement.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • New downloads of Weather are no longer possible on Wear OS 6 devices from third-party manufacturers, such as Samsung, OnePlus and others.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Why Healthcare Needs a Data Overhaul Healthcare systems are generating more data than ever before, from electronic health records and lab results to imaging scans, insurance claims, and even patient updates from wearable devices.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of devices
Noun
  • The hope was that a quick jolt of stimulus (delivered without haste) could stir an economic recovery.
    — Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The factory is a throwback to a pre-Rust Belt America, providing ~200 jobs, endless pride, and a stimulus that benefits the rest of the local economy.
    — Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • Herbert’s top-10 aptitude would’ve exposed Olave to fewer dangerous hits.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This leads him to discover an unexpected aptitude for cracking safes, turning his life upside down.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Definition of aptitude

Browse Nearby Words

impuissant
impulse
impulses
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Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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