impulsive

adjective

im-ˈpəl-siv How to pronounce impulsive (audio)
Definition of impulsivenext
1
as in obsessive
caused by or suggestive of an irresistible urge an impulsive purchase of a very expensive jacket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
prone to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions an impulsive woman who never seems to have the same opinion about anything for longer than 10 minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Saturn in Aries can be a complex combination because the fire sign is impulsive, and the planet itself is known to be strategic. —Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 21 May 2025 Expect fewer impulsive decisions and a focus on long-term stability during this time as Mercury enters Taurus on May 10 Comments Get ready for a mental shift, and don’t be afraid to stick to your guns! —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 May 2025 Lori, impulsive and headstrong in her own way, won’t let Ruth slip away so easily. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 May 2025 Grandchildren who are close to grandparents are more secure, perform better in school and are less impulsive. —Mark Gerson, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for impulsive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive
  1. obsessive
  2. volatile
  3. compulsive
  4. eccentric
  5. spontaneous
  6. moody
  7. capricious
  8. whimsical
Adjective
  • Even with an obsessive showrunner at the helm, this series would’ve gone nowhere without the outsized talents of our writers’ room.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 May 2025
  • Betting Big on the Creator Middle Class Stan has grown to more than 70,000 users in just three years, a trajectory that founder and CEO John Hu attributes to obsessive focus on creators who are building real, sustainable businesses without massive teams, investors or platforms.
    — Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of obsessive
Adjective
  • The fire had to feel alive, volatile, and credible—a force the actors had to confront in real time.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 4 June 2025
  • The Behavioral Finance Connection When the market’s volatile, fear drives behavior.
    — Meredith Moore, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • Balancing compulsive watchability with a touch of class, the company is still trying to break the mold while simultaneously catering to the masses.
    — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
  • Non-purging methods like compulsive fasting or excessive exercise following a meal are also sometimes diagnosed as a form of bulimia.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Definition of compulsive
Adjective
  • Plus this mischievous creature had a lot of eccentric friends.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2025
  • There are also new characters for guests to greet and learn their lore — an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.
    — Samantha Neely, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Definition of eccentric
Adjective
  • Yet for shows like the one in Houston, Erivo is aiming for something looser, more spontaneous, slightly lower-key.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
  • For travelers looking for nearby, spontaneous adventures, Airbnb’s summer report also shares the top trending domestic destinations among US guests this summer, with unique stays ranging from cozy cabins to beach house retreats.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • The brick colorway is especially dreamy, a mix of terracotta and mocha that feels both moody and soothing at the same time.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 May 2025
  • Teens may be moody, glued to their phones, or reluctant to try new foods or wake up early for tours.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Definition of moody
Adjective
  • The suit alleges that the NSF’s actions are illegally arbitrary and capricious and violate federal law on the management and use of federal funding.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • On these grounds, the courts have consistently held that state waivers imposing work requirements not only fail to promote Medicaid’s objectives but amount to an arbitrary and capricious effort to undermine those objectives.
    — Colin Gordon, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
Definition of capricious
Adjective
  • Matty’s Easter egg blue Lafayette 148 blazer and whimsical paw-print shirt by MNG act as a double agent, and her Clarks flats both enhance a deceptive shuffle and allow for covert, nimble movement.
    — Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
  • Punctuated by stripes and slim, knobby legs, this whimsical seating looks like something Tim Burton would dream up for your next happy hour.
    — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
Definition of whimsical

Browse Nearby Words

impulsion
impulsive
impulsively
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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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