Synonyms

impulsive

American

[im-puhl-siv] / ɪmˈpʌl sɪv /

adjective

actuated or swayed by emotional or involuntary impulses.

an impulsive child.

Synonyms:

hasty, quick, rash
having the power or effect of impelling; characterized by impulsion.

impulsive forces.
inciting to action.

the impulsive effects of a revolutionary idea.
Mechanics. (of forces) acting momentarily; not continuous.

impulsive British

/ ɪmˈpʌlsɪv /

adjective

characterized by actions based on sudden desires, whims, or inclinations rather than careful thought

an impulsive man
based on emotional impulses or whims; spontaneous

an impulsive kiss
forceful, inciting, or impelling
(of physical forces) acting for a short time; not continuous
(of a sound) brief, loud, and having a wide frequency range

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See impetuous.

Other Word Forms

impulsively adverb
impulsiveness noun
impulsivity noun
nonimpulsive adjective
nonimpulsively adverb
unimpulsive adjective
unimpulsively adverb

Etymology

Origin of impulsive

First recorded in 1375–1425 for an earlier sense; 1545–55 for current senses; late Middle English impulsif, from Medieval Latin impulsīvus; impulse, -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Scientists found that consuming caffeine at night can increase impulsive behavior, raising the likelihood of risky or uncontrolled actions.

From Science Daily

Boehringer Ingelheim, the developer of Pramipexole - the Parkinson's drug with impulsive behaviours listed as "uncommon" - said the regulator had approved its leaflets and that it was committed to improving patient safety.

From BBC

It was such a baffling overture that Xi suspected it was an impulsive gesture, said people close to Beijing’s decision-making.

From The Wall Street Journal

“When prices are down, conversations tend to be more rational and sizing decisions more disciplined” as opposed to impulsive, FOMO-crazed performance chasing.

From MarketWatch

Some senior aides have occasionally encouraged him against making impulsive posts to his account, according to a person familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023