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 Written and directed by documentarian Brian Tetsuro Ivie (Emanuel) in his narrative directorial debut, the film tells the story of an impulsive young woman and a reclusive older man who launch on a poignant cross‑country road trip. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 June 2025 Unfortunately, impulsive, inventory-optimization metric chasing often soothes symptoms while elevating strategic risk. Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Alienating an American President, especially one as prone to impulsive outbursts as Trump, isn’t an option. Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 An impulsive comment may strike a chord in someone else. Usa Today, USA Today, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
Adjective
  • The Residence starred Uzo Aduba as quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, who uses her cunning intellect and obsessive bird-watching abilities to crack otherwise unsolvable cases.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 2 July 2025
  • In a saturated mid-market bracket, Hampton’s leadership has managed to differentiate the brand through an obsessive drive to understand customers.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Yet, her bounce-back with a 2-under across the next 15 holes shows how volatile golf can be.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • That matters for investors seeking capital preservation as equity and bond markets remain volatile.
    Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • These systems are built on compulsive design, emotional triggers and algorithmic reinforcement.
    Mira Tzur, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Interestingly, when their microbiota samples were then transferred into the guts of healthy mice, these animals also developed the same compulsive eating behaviors.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Despite his eccentric and theatrical nature, Nagumo proves to be a valuable ally to Sakamoto and his family.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • Perry brought energy, eccentric visuals and a nostalgic dose of pop weirdness.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Relatedly, many people become more open to spontaneous thinking in the evening, when the brain is less focused and inhibited.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025
  • This exhilarating transit could spark a need for spontaneous self-expression and creative freedom.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • He’s already hit puberty and can be as moody as your average teen.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
  • Muted beige and gray are the dominant shades, but darker tones are also sprinkled throughout, like in the grandson’s moody black suite.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The medical groups argue that Kennedy's decision—announced in a video on social media on May 27—violates the Administrative Procedure Act for being arbitrary and capricious.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
  • That has been the driving principle of America's successful nuclear policy for decades, and with one capricious order, President Trump has inadvertently made the nightmare of a proliferation cascade much more likely.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Pisces: Artistic minimalism Pisces leans into whimsical, intuitive fashion—think dreamy details and layers that tell a story.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • From empty perfume bottles, feathers, thread, semi-precious stones, fabrics and pure silver, the designer’s work is thoroughly intuitive, where Syed reaches deep into her subconscious, pulling out whimsical ideas and concepts that are then crystallized into ornaments.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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