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.

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Doctors sometimes address the problem by increasing dosages, which in turn causes more impulsive behaviour.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

You won’t fall into a downward spiral of impulsive trading if you require yourself to pause and think before any gamble.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 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

“I know, and I should’ve discussed things with you instead of making impulsive decisions,” Dad says.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing impulsive

List 1

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The Lightning Thief

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Dracula

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