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 Rather than take a documentarian approach to photography, which tends to be more reactive and spontaneous, Aldridge’s process can be compared to that of a film director — starting with a storyboard, then the casting and set design. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 The Women’s March was highly organized and concentrated, while the protests in June 2020 were largely spontaneous and spread out. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025 Few inspire spontaneous ovations in public places, like the one U.S. Rep. John Larson received last month at Bradley airport. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025 Kevin Bacon would very much like to be a victim of spontaneous human combustion — at least in the world of This Is Spinal Tap and the classic comedy film's upcoming sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 4 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • New talent: We were introduced to Lederer this year and were totally in awe of his amazing mechanical wonders.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of mechanical
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
Definition of sudden
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
  • 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
Definition of robotic
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
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
  • Will people be more open and accept that a simple, inexpensive date isn’t the sign of low effort but rather a reflection of the economy none of us asked for?
    — Myisha Battle, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Its second life on streaming has guided new viewers to the simple charms of one of the best mystery shows of all time.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2025.

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