Synonyms for impulse
Definitions
- n. 1
A thrust; a push; a sudden force that impels.
- n. 2
A wish or urge, particularly a sudden one prompting action.
The impulse to learn drove me to study night and day.
- n. 3
The integral of force over time.
The total impulse from the impact will depend on the kinetic energy of the projectile.
Related words
Forms
- Plural
- impulses → impetuses, impulsions, thrusts, instigations…
Example sentences
- thrust Sami has been thrust into a role he never imagined.
- impetus What's the impetus underlying all of your actions?
- urge Try to resist the urge to pick your nose, darling.
- momentum As the days passed, our campaign grew in momentum.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| impulse | steady | |
| thrust | falling | |
| impetus | falling | |
| instigation | falling | |
| impulsion | falling | |
| urge | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- push1, urge1, spur1, whim1, goad1
- 5 letters
- force1, drive1, pulse1
- 6 letters
- spring1, motion2, thrust1, motive2
- 7 letters
- passion2, impetus3, pulsing2, caprice2
- 8 letters
- momentum3, instinct2, stimulus3
- 9 letters
- influence3, incentive3, pulsation, impulsion
- 10 letters
- incitement3, proclivity4
- 11 letters
- inspiration4, inclination4, instigation4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (motion2 = 2 syllables).