as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
the birds' instinctual response is to fly away when startled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctual
Adjective
-
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 -
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
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
Adjective
-
The biggest concern about Brooks and Dodson is the fact both are more weak-side linebackers (coverage specialists) than instinctive run stuffers.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
-
But the more instinctive finishes are not falling for him either.—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
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
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
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
Adjective
-
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
-
Or mostly robotic, at least—the fruit flies the researchers used would occasionally go their own way, despite strong inducements to stay with the program.—
John Timmer,
ArsTechnica,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Several conditions may cause sudden vision loss, such as an eye injury.—
Heidi Cope,
Health,
19 Apr. 2025
-
All of a sudden, something that was a huge source of joy in my grandparents’ life became a challenge.—
Katie Akin,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Instinctual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctual. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share