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 Before long, his head is not in the restaurant job, and his violent impulses resurface. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025 In a world where leaders seem eager to bend the knee to Trump’s every impulse, even the truly ridiculous seems plausible. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025 When a gun is left unsecured, that impulse can turn fatal. —Yolanda Androzzo, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025 But that impulse among individual investors has slowed in May, underscoring a sense of fatigue. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 15 May 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 Biden administration sought to encourage manufacturers to build in the United States, but those efforts are still in their early stages, and many of the government incentives are now on the chopping block.
    — Dan Gearino, Wired News, 31 May 2025
  • The state promised more than $154 million in incentives over the next 10 years, and the Fortune 500 company has committed $175 million in private investment for the project to renovate 427,000 square feet of space across two Aspiria Campus buildings.
    — Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • Additionally, the Bank of Japan’s inclination to tighten its monetary policy, which collides with the Asian nation’s fiscal woes, also have a hand in fueling the bond sell-off, said Varathan.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 May 2025
  • But state officials have shown no inclination toward making alterations. California earlier this month joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Federal Highway Administration and the Trump administration from withholding billions of dollars to expand electric vehicle infrastructure.
    — Rob Nikolewski, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • The church declined an interview and did not respond to specific questions about the impetus for the change.
    — Lauren Jackson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • The immigration issue was Worsley’s impetus to enter politics.
    — Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 15 May 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • The heavy stacks of cash fit into a pattern emerging throughout the trial as prosecutors attempt to paint Combs as a man spoiled by success, able to hide a tendency for abuse and criminality through a large staff and an ever-larger fortune.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • That’s the tendency, when arriving at such milestones — to celebrate the past, and the distance traveled.
    — Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • While this is good news, student loan borrowers should remember this drop shouldn't be taken as encouragement to acquire more student debt at lower rates.
    — Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Kelly had posted several photos on social media while inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as insurrectionists injured police officers and destroyed Capitol property with prior encouragement from President Donald Trump at a rally.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of devices
Noun
  • The 2021 Biden stimulus bill provided additional financial incentives to the holdout states.
    — The Editors, National Review, 5 June 2025
  • Consider stimulus like background noise, scent from air fresheners and perfumes, family members all calling the puppy at once etc.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • But there must be a method, some sort of expertise and aptitude for the assignment.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
  • Nancy shared a sweet story about an interaction with the late Eddie Van Halen that involved an acoustic guitar, a hotel landline and the guitarist’s musical aptitude.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 June 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 11 Jun. 2025.

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