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 Bowman checks the special teams box, and has the reputation as an instinctive safety, which is the most important thing the Bills look for at the position. Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025 His athleticism and instinctive nature on defense makes scoring against the Knights a challenging task for any opposing team. Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025 In reality, the instinctive draw of easy work fuels procrastination and raises the dread and anxiety associated with the harder work that eventually needs to be done. Mark Settle, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Image Easily the most memorable image of the campaign was Mr. Trump’s instinctive response to the attempt on his life in Butler, Pa. Shane Goldmacher, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
Adjective
  • In one report broadcast on Israel’s Channel 12, Israeli soldiers can be seen working hand in hand with Syrian villagers to collect boxes of artillery rounds, automatic weapons, grenade launchers and other armaments.
    Uriel Heilman, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
  • His dominant performance on Saturday reflected the automatic nature of the former UConn great.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When first announced in 2011, the Aston Martin Cygnet piqued global interest: a tiny sub 845kg (curb weight) hatchback with Aston mechanical gubbins.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • All of this noise is most likely the result of the boards on your wooden frame rubbing together and causing chemical adhesives (such as glues) to break down and create more friction than usual, says Skyler Dalley, PhD, mechanical engineer at Equilateral Product Innovations.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Engineered to deliver booming bass at all volume levels, the speaker sports dual 58mm tweeters, a 165mm bass driver, a bass reflex tube and BlueAnt’s signature psycho-acoustic bass.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Common triggers include dehydration from illness, vasovagal syncope—a reflex response to nausea or pain—abnormal heart rhythms, and heart valve conditions such as aortic stenosis.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Creates opportunities for mentorship and career development through spontaneous interactions.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Those days of spontaneous travel and memorable experiences don't have to be over.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Super Heavy booster successfully returned to its launch site and settled onto the tower’s robotic arms.
    Denise Chow, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Cardiologists were unable to obtain catheter supplies, and other surgeons could not get robotic supplies, Koenig wrote in her July report.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, ads for mechanic positions were predominantly shown to men, while those for preschool teacher roles were primarily directed to women.
    Carlotta Dotto, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The space, which hosts a coffee shop, is located inside an old mechanic shop.
    Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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