SummaryIn this article, the global and exponential synchronization of Lur'e networks with hybrid time‐varying delays is investigated. For sake of saving control costs, a novel impulsive adaptive controller is presented, where the adaptive feedback control input is utilized to compensate the control effects of the impulsive signal. Meanwhile, suitable control gains are obtained according to the designing on adaptive updating laws. In view of the definition of average impulsive interval, the generalized comparison principle and the formula of parameter variation, sufficient conditions for achieving global and exponential synchronization of Lur'e dynamical networks are eventually derived. Two relevant numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical analysis and the control scheme.