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.

By comparing MRI scans with psychopathy assessment results, the researchers found that a larger striatum was linked to a stronger need for stimulation, including thrill-seeking, excitement, and impulsive behavior.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Adversaries thought that Turner’s ventures could be reckless and impulsive.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The piece included unnamed sources who described Patel as impulsive and absent from his post, and who claimed he was concerned about his job security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

But during her sentencing ruling Olivier said "it wasn't... an impulsive act. It was the event of the evening," the AFP news agency reports.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Bigwig, his warm, impulsive nature stirred by curiosity and pity, went across the run.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Vocabulary lists containing impulsive

List 1

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The Lightning Thief

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Dracula

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