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 Ultimately, though, Chelsea’s commitment to Rick and her hope for his peace are no match for Rick’s pain, and his impulses ignite a gunfight that catches Chelsea in its midst. —Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 So is the impulse to satisfy that urge through drugs. —ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025 Chasten passions and impulses, the Indian texts counsel, in order to be able to distinguish opportunity from danger, friend from pretender, good advice from folly. —John Nemec, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025 Glasgow urged companies to resist the impulse to rewrite values based on digital outrage. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 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
  • Additionally, there was the buyout and retirement incentives of another 3,000 employees.
    — Mike Dombeck, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Therefore, there should be incentive for everyone to work collectively to get rid of STDs and give any efforts to do so more than a slow clap, so to speak.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of incentive
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
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • Yet it must be acknowledged that the impetus for the freezing of federal dollars for certain universities was a crisis for Jewish students, caused by the failure of college administrators to counter antisemitism and the harassment of Jews on campus.
    — Christian Schneider, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Likewise, the impetus may be the same for McDonald’s customers.
    — BYAlex Ledsom, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • The tendency in the forecast has been for the front to set up across southeast portions of the Kansas City forecast area.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • According to Limon-Rocha, various life stressors—such as starting a new school, being bullied, losing a beloved pet, or having a family member with health issues—can all trigger perfectionist tendencies.
    — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • Katherine, an avid reader who loves James Joyce and modern poetry, tries her hand at screenwriting, with Fred’s encouragement.
    — Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Not only this, his friends also came to his defense, offering words of encouragement.
    — Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • In an unprecedented move, our public schools handed out hundreds of thousands of devices to help more than 1 million students continue to safely learn online with their teachers and classmates.
    — Dr. Mitchell Katz, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Efficient energy storage is crucial for the transition to a low-carbon economy, which can impact everything from grid-scale energy storage to electric vehicles and portable devices.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of devices
Noun
  • Conscious perception is the ability of human beings to become aware of the stimuli received by their senses.
    — Jorge Garay, Wired News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This micro-moment creates space between stimulus and response, where emotional intelligence flourishes.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • Because some teams, roles and individuals may have natural aptitudes for different setups.
    — Eric Hutto, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • And that team happens to desperately need a player like Luka, with not just great basketball aptitude but with presence and personality – star power!
    — Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 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 24 Apr. 2025.

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