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

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 This perspective can help avoid mistakes stemming from poor tax planning or impulsive financial decisions. —

Rory O'Hara, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 People with depression may be distracted on the road, have a slower reaction time, or have careless or impulsive driving behaviors, like hard braking or speeding. —

Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 9 Jan. 2025 Mia’s impulsive choices, and the consequences of those decisions, are now the rollercoaster that is driving the season, and no one is enjoying this. —

Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025 At 18 months your child is curious, fearless, impulsive, mobile, and unaware of the consequences of their actions—a recipe for trouble. —

Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for impulsive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impulsive

Adjective

While micromanagement is typically associated with excessive and obsessive involvement in employees' tasks, Gallup research reveals that the issue is not too much involvement, but rather too little.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
The story of Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest to take revenge on the white whale who bit off his leg is an American classic and has been read in countless classrooms since its publication in 1851.

— Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025