IMPULSE Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

impulse

noun

ˈim-ˌpəls

Definition of impulse next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of impulse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Advertisement Especially if there are people more than willing to exploit that impulse for profit. —

Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024 The look of this supporting character is deliberately even more rudimentary, expressing the instinctual quality of our worst, primitive impulses. —

Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 13 Aug. 2024 By watching these characters get punished — and vicariously participating in that punishment — viewers get to indulge their own violent impulses, as well as their subconscious guilt about violence being perpetrated in their names. —

Katie Rife, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024 By avoiding the impulse to react to short-term market fluctuations, investors can better navigate the financial terrain and achieve their goals. —

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impulse

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impulse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impulse. Accessed 13 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 3 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of impulse

noun

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Examples of impulse in a Sentence

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