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Impulse synonyms
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push
A provocation to action; a stimulus:
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  1. A provocation to action; a stimulus:
  2. A thing to be pushed so as to work a mechanism
  3. Pressure of affairs or of circumstances
thrust
Continuous pressure of one part against another, as of a rafter against a wall
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  1. Continuous pressure of one part against another, as of a rafter against a wall
  2. A forceful movement, especially an advance or attack by an armed force.
  3. A driving force or pressure.
surge
The forward and backward motion of a ship subjected to wave action.
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  1. The forward and backward motion of a ship subjected to wave action.
  2. Any sudden, strong increase, as of energy, enthusiasm, etc.
  3. A coastal rise in water level caused by wind.
impetus
Increased activity in response to a stimulus:
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  1. Increased activity in response to a stimulus:
  2. Anything that stimulates activity; driving force or motive; incentive; impulse
  3. The force with which a body moves against resistance, resulting from its mass and the velocity at which it is set in motion
throb
The act of throbbing
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  1. The act of throbbing
  2. A beating, pulsating, or vibration.
  3. A beat or pulsation, esp. a strong one of the heart
vibration
A rapid oscillation of a particle, particles, or elastic solid or surface, back and forth across a central position.
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  1. A rapid oscillation of a particle, particles, or elastic solid or surface, back and forth across a central position.
  2. (Informal) A distinctive emotional quality or atmosphere that is sensed or experienced by someone. Often used in the plural:
  3. (Physics) Periodic, to-and-fro motion or oscillation of an object, as an elastic body or the particles of a fluid, when it is displaced from the rest position or position of equilibrium, as in transmitting sound
pulse
(Physics) A brief sudden change in a normally constant quantity:
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  1. (Physics) A brief sudden change in a normally constant quantity:
  2. The rhythmic expansion and contraction of the arteries as blood is pumped through them by the heart. The pulse can be felt at several parts of the body, as over the carotid and radial arteries.
  3. The rhythmical throbbing of arteries produced by the regular contractions of the heart, especially as palpated at the wrist or in the neck.
pulsation
The action of pulsating.
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  1. The action of pulsating.
  2. A beat; throb; vibration
  3. A single beat, throb, or vibration.
pressure
The force per unit area that one region of a gas, liquid, or solid exerts on another. Pressure is usually measured in Pascal units, atmospheres, or pounds per square inch. &diamf3; A substance is said to have negative pressure if some other substance exerts more force per unit area on it than vice versa. Its value is simply the negative of the pressure exerted by the other substance.
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  1. The force per unit area that one region of a gas, liquid, or solid exerts on another. Pressure is usually measured in Pascal units, atmospheres, or pounds per square inch. &diamf3; A substance is said to have negative pressure if some other substance exerts more force per unit area on it than vice versa. Its value is simply the negative of the pressure exerted by the other substance.
  2. (--- Sports) Sustained, effective play that puts an opponent at a disadvantage:
  3. A compelling or constraining influence, such as persuasion or negative attitudes, on the mind or will:
augmentation
The act or process of augmenting.
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  1. The act or process of augmenting.
  2. (Music) The presentation of a theme in notes of usually double time value.
  3. A thing that augments; addition; increase
rush
Any of a genus (Juncus) of plants of the rush family, having small, greenish flowers: rushes usually grow in wet places and the round stems and pliant leaves of some species are used in making baskets, mats, ropes, etc.
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  1. Any of a genus (Juncus) of plants of the rush family, having small, greenish flowers: rushes usually grow in wet places and the round stems and pliant leaves of some species are used in making baskets, mats, ropes, etc.
  2. An act of running at a passer or kicker in order to block or prevent a play.
  3. A rapid, often noisy flow or passage:
motivation
Desire or enthusiasm to accomplish or achieve something
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  1. Desire or enthusiasm to accomplish or achieve something
  2. The state of being motivated:
  3. The act or process of motivating:
actuation
The act of putting into motion.
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  1. The act of putting into motion.
stimulus
(Physiology) Something that can elicit or evoke a physiological response in a cell, a tissue, or an organism. A stimulus can be internal or external. Sense organs, such as the ear, and sensory receptors, such as those in the skin, are sensitive to external stimuli such as sound and touch.
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  1. (Physiology) Something that can elicit or evoke a physiological response in a cell, a tissue, or an organism. A stimulus can be internal or external. Sense organs, such as the ear, and sensory receptors, such as those in the skin, are sensitive to external stimuli such as sound and touch.
  2. (Physiol., Psychol.) Any action or agent that causes or changes an activity in an organism, organ, or part, as something that excites an end organ, starts a nerve impulse, or activates a muscle
  3. An agent, action, or condition that elicits or accelerates a physiological or psychological activity or response.
incentive
Something, such as the fear of punishment or the expectation of reward, that induces action or motivates effort.
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  1. Something, such as the fear of punishment or the expectation of reward, that induces action or motivates effort.
  2. Something that stimulates one to take action, work harder, etc.; stimulus
impulsion
The act of impelling or the condition of being impelled:
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  1. The act of impelling or the condition of being impelled:
  2. Motion produced by an impelling force; momentum.
  3. Movement or tendency to move resulting from this force; impetus
propulsion
Something that propels; propelling or driving force
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  1. Something that propels; propelling or driving force
  2. A driving or propelling force.
  3. The process of driving or propelling.
stroke
A sudden action or process having a strong impact or effect:
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  1. A sudden action or process having a strong impact or effect:
  2. A single completed movement of the limbs and body, as in swimming or rowing.
  3. A single uninterrupted movement, especially when repeated or in a back-and-forth motion:
momentum
The force or energy exhibited by a moving body:
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  1. The force or energy exhibited by a moving body:
  2. (Physics, Mech.) The product of the mass of a particle, body, etc. and its velocity
  3. A vector quantity that expresses the relation of the velocity of a body, wave, field, or other physical system, to its energy. The direction of the momentum of a single object indicates the direction of its motion. Momentum is a conserved quantity (it remains constant unless acted upon by an outside force), and is related by Noether's theorem to translational invariance . In classical mechanics, momentum is defined as mass times velocity. The theory of Special Relativity uses the concept of relativistic mass . The momentum of photons, which are massless, is equal to their energy divided by the speed of light. In quantum mechanics, momentum more generally refers to a mathematical operator applied to the wave equation describing a physical system and corresponding to an observable ; solutions to the equation using this operator provide the vector quantity traditionally called momentum. In all of these applications, momentum is sometimes called linear momentum.
shove
The act or an instance of shoving; a push or thrust
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  1. The act or an instance of shoving; a push or thrust
shock
The result or effect of such concussion
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  1. The result or effect of such concussion
  2. An instance of the passage of an electric current through the body. The amount of injury caused by electric shock depends on the type and strength of the current, the length of time the current is applied, and the route the current takes once it enters the body.
  3. A life-threatening condition marked by a severe drop in blood pressure, resulting from serious injury or illness.
bump
A raised or rounded spot; a bulge.
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  1. A raised or rounded spot; a bulge.
  2. (Sports) A pass in volleyball made by redirecting the ball with the inside of the forearms, especially when extended and held together.
  3. A rise or increase, as in prices or enrollment.
movement
The effect or representation of motion in painting, sculpture, etc.
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  1. The effect or representation of motion in painting, sculpture, etc.
  2. An organized effort by supporters of a common goal:
  3. (Prosody) Rhythmic flow; cadence
fancy
The mental faculty through which whims, visions, and fantasies are summoned up; imagination, especially of a whimsical or fantastic nature.
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  1. The mental faculty through which whims, visions, and fantasies are summoned up; imagination, especially of a whimsical or fantastic nature.
  2. An inclination, liking, or fondness, often transient
  3. The enthusiasts or fans of a sport or pursuit considered as a group.
whim
(Mining) A large capstan or vertical drum turned by horse power or steam power, for raising ore or water, etc., from mines, or for other purposes
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  1. (Mining) A large capstan or vertical drum turned by horse power or steam power, for raising ore or water, etc., from mines, or for other purposes
  2. A kind of winch or capstan powered by a horse or steam, formerly used in mines to raise ore or water
  3. Arbitrary thought or impulse:
caprice
An inclination to change one's mind impulsively:
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  1. An inclination to change one's mind impulsively:
  2. A sudden, unpredictable action or change:
  3. A sudden, impulsive change in the way one thinks or acts; freakish notion; whim
motive
A motif in art, literature, or music.
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  1. A motif in art, literature, or music.
  2. An emotion, desire, physiological need, or similar impulse that acts as an incitement to action.
  3. Some inner drive, impulse, intention, etc. that causes a person to do something or act in a certain way; incentive; goal
spontaneity
Spontaneous behavior, impulse, or movement.
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  1. Spontaneous behavior, impulse, or movement.
  2. Spontaneous behavior, movement, action, etc.
  3. (Biology) The tendency to undergo change, characteristic of both animal and vegetable organisms, and not restrained or checked by the environment.
drive
The means or apparatus for controlling and directing an automobile:
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  1. The means or apparatus for controlling and directing an automobile:
  2. A strong organized effort to accomplish a purpose:
  3. The power or energy to get things done; enthusiastic or aggressive vigor
appeal
The process to seek and obtain a review and reversal of an administrative decision by a court or by a higher authority within the administrative agency. See also certiorari, notice of appeal, trial (trial de novo), and writ of error.
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  1. The process to seek and obtain a review and reversal of an administrative decision by a court or by a higher authority within the administrative agency. See also certiorari, notice of appeal, trial (trial de novo), and writ of error.
  2. A resort to a higher authority or greater power, as for sanction, corroboration, or a decision:
  3. A call upon some authority or person for a decision, opinion, etc.
notion
A desire; inclination; whim
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  1. A desire; inclination; whim
  2. Small lightweight items for household use, such as needles, buttons, and thread.
  3. A vague thought
inclination
The extent or degree of incline from a horizontal or vertical position, course, etc.
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  1. The extent or degree of incline from a horizontal or vertical position, course, etc.
  2. Any action, practice, or thing, toward which one is inclined
  3. A characteristic disposition or tendency to act in a certain way; a propensity:
disposition
A getting rid of something
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  1. A getting rid of something
  2. A putting in order or being put in order; arrangement
  3. The power or liberty to control, direct, or dispose:
bent
The stiff flower stalk of certain grasses
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  1. The stiff flower stalk of certain grasses
  2. A framework transverse to the length of a structure, for supporting lateral as well as vertical loads
  3. Any of a genus (Agrostis) of dense, low-growing perennial grasses that spread by putting out runners and are often used for lawns and golf greens
vagary
An unpredictable development or change of circumstances:
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  1. An unpredictable development or change of circumstances:
  2. An odd, eccentric, or unexpected action or bit of conduct
  3. An extravagant or erratic notion or action:
freak
An abnormally formed organism, especially one regarded as a curiosity.
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  1. An abnormally formed organism, especially one regarded as a curiosity.
  2. Any abnormal animal, person, or plant; monstrosity
  3. A thing or occurrence that is markedly unusual or irregular:
wish
A polite request with some of the force of an order
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  1. A polite request with some of the force of an order
  2. Something wished for
  3. A feeling that one would like to have or do something or to see something happen; a desire, longing, or strong inclination for a specific thing.
whimsy
Quaint, fanciful, or playful humor:
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  1. Quaint, fanciful, or playful humor:
  2. A quaint and fanciful idea. A whim. Playfully odd behaviour.
  3. Something odd or whimsical, as an art object, piece of writing, etc.
inspiration
Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired:
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  1. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired:
  2. A prompting of something to be written or said
  3. An inspiring influence; any stimulus to creative thought or action
hunch
A push or shove.
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  1. A push or shove.
  2. A guess or feeling not based on known facts; premonition or suspicion
  3. An intuitive feeling or a premonition:
flash
(Slang) The pleasurable sensation that accompanies the use of a drug; a rush.
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  1. (Slang) The pleasurable sensation that accompanies the use of a drug; a rush.
  2. A person very quick or adept at something
  3. A sudden, brief display of thought, understanding, feeling, etc.
thought
The intellectual activity or production of a particular time or group:
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  1. The intellectual activity or production of a particular time or group:
  2. The faculty of thinking or reasoning:
  3. The process of thinking; cogitation:
extemporization
The act of extemporizing; the act of doing anything extempore.
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  1. The act of extemporizing; the act of doing anything extempore.
encouragement
Something that encourages
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  1. Something that encourages
  2. An encouraging or being encouraged
  3. One that encourages.
fillip
The snap made by a finger which is held down toward the palm by the thumb and then suddenly released
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  1. The snap made by a finger which is held down toward the palm by the thumb and then suddenly released
  2. Something that excites or stimulates.
  3. A light blow or tap given in this way
impetus
The force with which a body moves against resistance, resulting from its mass and the velocity at which it is set in motion
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  1. The force with which a body moves against resistance, resulting from its mass and the velocity at which it is set in motion
  2. Anything that stimulates activity; driving force or motive; incentive; impulse
  3. Increased activity in response to a stimulus:
incentive
Something, such as the fear of punishment or the expectation of reward, that induces action or motivates effort.
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  1. Something, such as the fear of punishment or the expectation of reward, that induces action or motivates effort.
  2. Something that stimulates one to take action, work harder, etc.; stimulus
inducement
(Law) An introductory statement of facts or background information.
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  1. (Law) An introductory statement of facts or background information.
  2. An incentive that helps bring about a desired state.
  3. (Law) Misrepresentation that leads a person to enter into a contract or transaction with a false understanding of the risks and obligations:
motivation
The act or an instance of motivating
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  1. The act or an instance of motivating
  2. Desire or enthusiasm to accomplish or achieve something
  3. The act or process of motivating:
prod
Used as a disparaging term for a Protestant.
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  1. Used as a disparaging term for a Protestant.
  2. Something that prods; specif., a rod or pointed stick used in driving cattle
  3. An incitement; a stimulus.
push
The act of pressing:
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  1. The act of pressing:
  2. A thing to be pushed so as to work a mechanism
  3. A provocation to action; a stimulus:
spur
A spinelike process, as on the wings or legs of certain birds
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  1. A spinelike process, as on the wings or legs of certain birds
  2. Any of various pointed devices worn on the heel by the rider of a horse and used to urge the horse forward
  3. Part or all of this entry has been imported from the 1913 edition of Webster's Dictionary, which is now free of copyright and hence in the public domain. The imported definitions may be significantly out of date, and any more recent senses may be completely missing.
stimulant
A substance that acts to increase physiological or nervous activity in the body.
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  1. A substance that acts to increase physiological or nervous activity in the body.
  2. An agent, especially a drug, that causes increased activity, especially of the nervous or cardiovascular systems. Caffeine is a commonly used stimulant.
  3. A stimulus or an incentive:
stimulator
A person, device or substance that stimulates.
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  1. A person, device or substance that stimulates.
stimulus
(Physiol., Psychol.) Any action or agent that causes or changes an activity in an organism, organ, or part, as something that excites an end organ, starts a nerve impulse, or activates a muscle
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  1. (Physiol., Psychol.) Any action or agent that causes or changes an activity in an organism, organ, or part, as something that excites an end organ, starts a nerve impulse, or activates a muscle
  2. (Physiology) Something that can elicit or evoke a physiological response in a cell, a tissue, or an organism. A stimulus can be internal or external. Sense organs, such as the ear, and sensory receptors, such as those in the skin, are sensitive to external stimuli such as sound and touch.
  3. Something that has an impact or an effect on an organism so that its behavior is modified in a detectable way.
bee
Any of a large superfamily (Apoidea) of broad-bodied, four-winged, hairy hymenopteran insects that gather pollen and nectar, have biting as well as sucking mouthparts, and often live in organized colonies; esp., the honeybee
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  1. Any of a large superfamily (Apoidea) of broad-bodied, four-winged, hairy hymenopteran insects that gather pollen and nectar, have biting as well as sucking mouthparts, and often live in organized colonies; esp., the honeybee
  2. (Soccer) someone connected with Barnet Football Club, as a fan, player, coach etc.
  3. A social gathering where people combine work, competition, and amusement:
caprice
An inclination to change one's mind impulsively:
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  1. An inclination to change one's mind impulsively:
  2. A sudden, unpredictable action or change:
  3. A sudden, impulsive change in the way one thinks or acts; freakish notion; whim
conceit
A fanciful or witty expression or notion; often, specif., a striking and elaborate metaphor, sometimes one regarded, esp. formerly, as strained and arbitrary
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  1. A fanciful or witty expression or notion; often, specif., a striking and elaborate metaphor, sometimes one regarded, esp. formerly, as strained and arbitrary
  2. (--- Archaic) Estimation or opinion of something, especially when favorable.
  3. A flight of imagination; fancy
fancy
The enthusiasts or fans of a sport or pursuit considered as a group.
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  1. The enthusiasts or fans of a sport or pursuit considered as a group.
  2. The mental faculty through which whims, visions, and fantasies are summoned up; imagination, especially of a whimsical or fantastic nature.
  3. (Rare) Critical taste or judgment in art, dress, etc.
freak
An odd or unusual happening
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  1. An odd or unusual happening
  2. A thing or occurrence that is markedly unusual or irregular:
  3. A sudden fancy; odd notion; whim
humor
That which is intended to induce laughter or amusement:
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  1. That which is intended to induce laughter or amusement:
  2. Whim; fancy; caprice
  3. Vitreous humor.
megrim
(Rare) Low spirits; the blues
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  1. (Rare) Low spirits; the blues
  2. Depression or unhappiness:
  3. A caprice or fancy.
notion
A desire; inclination; whim
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  1. A desire; inclination; whim
  2. A mental image; general idea
  3. Small lightweight items for household use, such as needles, buttons, and thread.
vagary
An odd, eccentric, or unexpected action or bit of conduct
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  1. An odd, eccentric, or unexpected action or bit of conduct
  2. An unpredictable development or change of circumstances:
  3. An extravagant or erratic notion or action:
whim
(Mining) A large capstan or vertical drum turned by horse power or steam power, for raising ore or water, etc., from mines, or for other purposes
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  1. (Mining) A large capstan or vertical drum turned by horse power or steam power, for raising ore or water, etc., from mines, or for other purposes
  2. A sudden fancy; idle and passing notion; capricious idea or desire
  3. A kind of winch or capstan powered by a horse or steam, formerly used in mines to raise ore or water
whimsy
(Archaic) An odd or sudden fancy; whim
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  1. (Archaic) An odd or sudden fancy; whim
  2. Something odd or whimsical, as an art object, piece of writing, etc.
  3. A quaint and fanciful idea. A whim. Playfully odd behaviour.
thoughts (related)
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    Find another word for impulse. In this page you can discover 75 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for impulse, like: push, thrust, surge, impetus, throb, vibration, pulse, pulsation, pressure, augmentation and rush.

    Sentence Examples

    • She combed Destiny's hair into pig tails, and then on impulse, did the same with hers.

    • She resisted the impulse to check her watch.

    • On an impulse, she leaned down and kissed them.

    • That impulse was reasonable.

    • On an impulse, he turned and looked at the family seated near his table still enjoying their meal.

    More sentences →

    Words that mention impulse in the Dictionary

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