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 Before long, his head is not in the restaurant job, and his violent impulses resurface. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025 In a world where leaders seem eager to bend the knee to Trump’s every impulse, even the truly ridiculous seems plausible. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025 When a gun is left unsecured, that impulse can turn fatal. —Yolanda Androzzo, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025 But that impulse among individual investors has slowed in May, underscoring a sense of fatigue. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 15 May 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
  • The Biden administration sought to encourage manufacturers to build in the United States, but those efforts are still in their early stages, and many of the government incentives are now on the chopping block.
    — Dan Gearino, Wired News, 31 May 2025
  • Margin Pressures Persist Due to the high interest and mortgage rates, many homebuilders have increased incentives and rate buydowns, which negatively impact margins.
    — David Trainer, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • Additionally, the Bank of Japan’s inclination to tighten its monetary policy, which collides with the Asian nation’s fiscal woes, also have a hand in fueling the bond sell-off, said Varathan.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 May 2025
  • But state officials have shown no inclination toward making alterations. California earlier this month joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Federal Highway Administration and the Trump administration from withholding billions of dollars to expand electric vehicle infrastructure.
    — Rob Nikolewski, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • And that is the impetus for a Wyldwood setup that will encourage cast and crew to keep their own family units intact during productions — not exactly the norm in the industry.
    — Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 22 May 2025
  • Political developments are a big impetus for the changes.
    — Larry Light, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • As the graph shows below, Bellingham, like most of Real Madrid midfielders, has a tendency to hold on to the ball, whereas Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen midfield is defined by quick and incisive short passes.
    — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • Though moderators control questioning during such forums, too, candidates have a tendency to end up chiming in on each other’s answers when seated next to each other.
    — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • What stuck with her most were the messages of encouragement and the resilience of the kittens themselves.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • In public support of his sister’s health journey, Robert Irwin also took to Instagram to share words of encouragement.
    — Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 25 May 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of devices
Noun
  • The recordings revealed that AWB and ASH, two neurons that are responsible for making sense of olfactory stimuli, were activated when the corpses and fluids were present, indicating that the worms were smelling the signature of death.
    — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 23 May 2025
  • When we get stung by a wasp, the association between pain and wasps is encoded in the region of the brain called the amygdala, which connects simple stimuli with basic emotions.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • Tools that assess personality, aptitude, reaction time, or cultural fit are also included.
    — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Past Lives established director Celine Song’s aptitude at exploring complex love triangles, which looks to continue in her new romantic comedy.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Time, 16 May 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 5 Jun. 2025.

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