Definitions

impulsive

[im-puhl-siv] / ɪmˈpʌl sɪv /

ADJECTIVE

tending to act without thought

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abrupt hasty impetuous instinctive offhand passionate spontaneous violent

WEAK

ad-lib automatic careless devil-may-care emotional extemporaneous flaky gone off deep end headlong hot-and-cold intuitive involuntary jumping the gun mad precipitate quick rash sudden swift unconsidered unexpected unmeditated unpredictable unpremeditated unprompted up-and-down winging it

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm deliberate planned sensible

WEAK

cautious considering heedful premeditative thoughtful wise

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.

His defence argued that his involvement in the protests was "a one-off - an impulsive decision".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Two men are entranced by her, a suave doctor played by David Niven and Richard Conte’s impulsive race-car driver.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Schylling is now an unintentional power player in the scarcity economy, where shortages—whether real or manufactured—drive rapid, impulsive sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Richard Edwards, defending, Lee had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and "bitterly regrets" his impulsive actions.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

It was an act of impulsive frivolity and rebellion for which he knew afterward he would be punished severely.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing impulsive

List 1

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The Lightning Thief

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Dracula

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