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 Written and directed by documentarian Brian Tetsuro Ivie (Emanuel) in his narrative directorial debut, the film tells the story of an impulsive young woman and a reclusive older man who launch on a poignant cross‑country road trip. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 June 2025 Unfortunately, impulsive, inventory-optimization metric chasing often soothes symptoms while elevating strategic risk. —Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Alienating an American President, especially one as prone to impulsive outbursts as Trump, isn’t an option. —Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 An impulsive comment may strike a chord in someone else. —Usa Today, USA Today, 19 June 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
  • The Residence starred Uzo Aduba as quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, who uses her cunning intellect and obsessive bird-watching abilities to crack otherwise unsolvable cases.
    — Andy Swift, TVLine, 2 July 2025
  • In a saturated mid-market bracket, Hampton’s leadership has managed to differentiate the brand through an obsessive drive to understand customers.
    — Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Definition of obsessive
Adjective
  • That matters for investors seeking capital preservation as equity and bond markets remain volatile.
    — Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • But David’s volatile behavior, which includes smashing a glass coffee table to pieces in front of the other children, quickly turns them into unwelcome guests.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • These systems are built on compulsive design, emotional triggers and algorithmic reinforcement.
    — Mira Tzur, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Interestingly, when their microbiota samples were then transferred into the guts of healthy mice, these animals also developed the same compulsive eating behaviors.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2025
Definition of compulsive
Adjective
  • Despite his eccentric and theatrical nature, Nagumo proves to be a valuable ally to Sakamoto and his family.
    — Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • Historic rehab meets eccentric minimalism An owl on a table.
    — Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 13 July 2025
Definition of eccentric
Adjective
  • Relatedly, many people become more open to spontaneous thinking in the evening, when the brain is less focused and inhibited.
    — Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025
  • This exhilarating transit could spark a need for spontaneous self-expression and creative freedom.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • He’s already hit puberty and can be as moody as your average teen.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
  • Muted beige and gray are the dominant shades, but darker tones are also sprinkled throughout, like in the grandson’s moody black suite.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 July 2025
Definition of moody
Adjective
  • The medical groups argue that Kennedy's decision—announced in a video on social media on May 27—violates the Administrative Procedure Act for being arbitrary and capricious.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
  • That has been the driving principle of America's successful nuclear policy for decades, and with one capricious order, President Trump has inadvertently made the nightmare of a proliferation cascade much more likely.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Definition of capricious
Adjective
  • With the whimsical bag charm craze showing no sign of a slow down, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect for this summer release.
    — Adam Mansuroglu, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
  • The intricate bee charm adds a whimsical yet sophisticated touch to any jewelry collection.
    — Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of whimsical

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Cite this Entry

“Impulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulsive. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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