spontaneous

adjective

spän-ˈtā-nē-əs How to pronounce spontaneous (audio)
Definition of spontaneousnext
as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision recoiling when a wasp is near is simply a spontaneous reaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word spontaneous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of spontaneous are automatic, impulsive, instinctive, and mechanical. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

In what contexts can automatic take the place of spontaneous?

The meanings of automatic and spontaneous largely overlap; however, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When is it sensible to use impulsive instead of spontaneous?

In some situations, the words impulsive and spontaneous are roughly equivalent. However, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When could instinctive be used to replace spontaneous?

The synonyms instinctive and spontaneous are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

Where would mechanical be a reasonable alternative to spontaneous?

The words mechanical and spontaneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

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 spontaneous Cue the spontaneous crush, artistic breakthrough or just the undeniable urge to feel something. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025 In one Newsweek article, a solo female traveler recounted how a trip to Naples, Italy, that was intended to be a journey of self-discovery turned into a spontaneous celebration after meeting a 73-year-old woman who invited her to a local village wedding. —Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 To give its first Class B that spontaneous, adventurous edge upon which American van-dwellers thrive, Grand Design includes standard all-wheel-drive for distributing out the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6's 310 hp and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque to all four wheels. —New Atlas, 29 May 2025 Lorde’s innovative approach to album promotion has included surprise concerts, fan text blasts, and spontaneous performances in public spaces. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spontaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spontaneous
  1. automatic
  2. mechanical
  3. sudden
  4. reflex
  5. robotic
  6. instinctive
  7. mechanic
  8. simple
Adjective
  • Several automakers are implementing new semi-autonomous, advanced cruise control, and automatic braking features in popular vehicles.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • Almost a month later, on June 1, the spacecraft was less than four minutes away from liftoff when the ground launch sequencer — the computer that launches the rocket — triggered an automatic hold.
    — Jillian Frankel, People.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • Most mechanical keyboards use a flat ribbon cable to connect the PCB to the bottom case.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • Written in Latin, the coroners' rolls are records of sudden or suspicious deaths as investigated by a jury of local men, called together by the coroner to establish facts and reach a verdict.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • After Earps’ announcement, Wiegman was asked what her long-time goalkeeper’s sudden international retirement two months before a major tournament said about the unity of the team.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Definition of sudden
Adjective
  • The Loewe Grand inicio is a powerful two-way speaker with a bass reflex system and is available as a floor-standing speaker.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • Tianwen 2 marks another step forward in China's ever-advancing, ever-ambitious robotic exploration program.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 May 2025
  • Though he’s filmed hundreds of interviews, Evans still looks a touch robotic on camera.
    — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 May 2025
Definition of robotic
Adjective
  • Instead, Agyemang answered with the kind of instinctive finishing that had abandoned Charlotte during its skid.
    — Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2025
  • Intuition might tell you that attraction is a quick, instinctive reaction.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of instinctive
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
Adjective
  • Better yet, this was all relatively simple to accomplish and extremely user intuitive.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
  • White is easy, simple, and many times, the best choice for a clean slate.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

spontaneity
spontaneous
spontaneously
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Cite this Entry

“Spontaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spontaneous. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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