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 What a shame that the modern historical record fails to support such a noble impulse... —William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 At the same time, Egoyan’s impulses lean toward a kind of wry melodrama, and a slew of narrative developments and hidden agendas. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 His scientific bona fides are at odds with the impulses of his boss, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2025 Lively and Reynolds’ side believe confidentially is so at risk and the impulse to leak the media by the other side is so great that an Attorney’s Eyes Only order is needed. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Mar. 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
  • New state and federal incentives will pay the bulk of the cost for the upgrade, making this an even more cost-effective choice.
    — Ben Roush, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Within days of taking office, Trump signed an executive order pausing the disbursement of funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, despite the fact that red states have largely benefited from the legislation’s clean energy incentives.
    — Bella Kubach, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • The report cites a growing consumer inclination toward advanced lip care solutions, and effective alternatives to traditional lip balms and glosses.
    — Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • But several other populist Trump allies who have shown no inclination to leave power have made their judiciaries a central target.
    — Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • Lagarde, now its executive director, founded the initiative in 2010, but its impetus was New Orleans’ long struggle to rebuild and recover from Hurricane Katrina.
    — Chris Boyette, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
  • How that plays out depends on a number of factors, such as where the conflict starts and what the impetus is, which would shape the way all major actors and allies respond to whatever acts as the spark.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • According to Brenda, who has bizarre energy and a tendency to trail off mid-thought, the house was abandoned after a fire.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
  • In his new biography of Barnes, Blake Gopnik foregrounds this democratic ethos, focusing specifically on the philanthropist’s contributions to building racial equality—despite Barnes’s notoriously cantankerous personality and his tendency toward invective and slur.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • Commercial pilot and licensed psychotherapist shares words of encouragement after recent plane crashes Michaela Renee Johnson says fear is a natural response to seeing the recent aviation disasters and shares thoughts on how people can ultimately tackle their fear.
    — Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • With his signature goofiness and kindhearted nature, Captain Goof-Beard helps Mickey and his friends on treasure hunts and exciting seafaring quests by providing clues, guidance, and encouragement, all while teaching valuable lessons about teamwork and perseverance.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • The combination of IoT and AI enables connected devices to collect, analyze and act on data in real-time.
    — Rahul Saluja, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Just in time for Christmas, certain members of Congress are hard at work in their policy shops, fashioning a massive lump of cybersecurity coal with which to gift American users of electronic devices.
    — David Williams, National Review, 26 Dec. 2024
Definition of devices
Noun
  • Columbia University Grad Detained by ICE That is more than the popular petition for regular stimulus checks during the COVID pandemice, which had a little more than 3,050,000 signatures at time of publication.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • And, congressional Republicans have in the past expressed their dislike of providing tax cuts such stimulus checks and expanded Child Tax Credit payments to low-income and middle-income households in the past.
    — Christian Weller, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • This is different from notions of strengths and weaknesses, personality, aptitude or things like that.
    — Michael B. Horn, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • So having that mental aptitude to learn and pick up schemes could help a good and creative coach get a ton out of him.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of aptitude

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Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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