IMPULSIVE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

impulsive

adjective

im-ˈpəl-siv

Definition of impulsive next

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

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

Examples 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 Mars — the planet of action, aggression and desire — is known for its impulsive energy and eagerness to tackle obstacles head-on. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024 As the war progressed, though, many generals distanced themselves, fearing his extreme policies and impulsive military decisions. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024 That said, finally realizing that Wendy is a Gemini is making a lot of her traits make sense: indecisive, impulsive, can’t commit to an idea or a personality. —

Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024 The impulsive act leads to a little Christmas magic. —

Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impulsive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive

Adjective

Quezada is diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024
On the other hand, love styles such as Ludus— the game-playing, non-committal love style— and Mania, the obsessive love style, undermine relationship quality and stability due to the negative relationship behavior involved.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024