instinctive

adjective

in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv How to pronounce instinctive (audio)
Definition of instinctivenext
as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision the instinctive reaction of a mother is to protect her children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word instinctive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of instinctive are automatic, impulsive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When is automatic a more appropriate choice than instinctive?

In some situations, the words automatic and instinctive are roughly equivalent. However, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When might impulsive be a better fit than instinctive?

The meanings of impulsive and instinctive largely overlap; however, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

In what contexts can mechanical take the place of instinctive?

The words mechanical and instinctive can be used in similar contexts, but mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

Where would spontaneous be a reasonable alternative to instinctive?

While the synonyms spontaneous and instinctive are close in meaning, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of instinctive We’re connected and instinctive. —Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 Our brains rely on instinctive, fast thinking (System 1) and deliberate, analytical thinking (System 2) to navigate decisions. —Ashley B. Stewart, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 But while Greenlaw was an instinctive and fast learner who started 14 games as a rookie, including 73 snaps in the Super Bowl, Winters has been slower in developing. —Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 Shift from instinctive meaning-making to intentional meaning-making. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
  1. automatic
  2. mechanical
  3. reflex
  4. spontaneous
  5. robotic
  6. mechanic
Adjective
  • Congress tried to address this issue by passing the Child Citizenship Act in 2000, which grants automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This opens up the possibility of Wycombe either clinching automatic promotion before their two rivals play, or the door being prised open for either Wrexham or Charlton to nip through and set up a nerve-wracking final day.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers due to mechanical failures, pilot errors, or collisions, resulting in 20 fatalities.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • But ultimately, the week ended with a pretty good array of extremes in selling pressure and hedging demand of the sort that should turn the risk-reward more favorable for a reflex bounce before too long.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The reflex reaction would be to suggest that without Stiller and Goretzka, Germany lost control in midfield.
    — Manuel Veth, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • Emerging from the city's urban landscape, his art is characterized by spontaneous compositions of pattern and form, often evolving through layers of spray paint, ink, and acrylic.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Both edibles offer fresh garnishes for daily use or spontaneous hosting.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • Boston Dynamics is at it again, wowing us with some seriously cool robotic moves.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The lander's robotic drill and scoop collected 4.27 lbs (1.935 kilograms) of basaltic regolith from the SPA basin before returning it to Earth.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of robotic
Adjective
  • Home in foreclosure, a mobile mechanic Online records show that his Canby Street home was in foreclosure last year and sold in September for $60,000.
    — Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.
    — Kelli Bender, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of mechanic

Browse Nearby Words

instinct
instinctive
instinctively
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Cite this Entry

“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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