as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
a colleague known for her knee-jerk rejection of any proposal that she didn't originate
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knee-jerk
But because Joe Biden did it, Trump 2.0 seems compelled to undo it — the same dumb knee-jerk MO of Trump 1.0 regarding Barack Obama’s accomplishments.
—
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
Lots of colors that, in a knee-jerk way, might remind one of India, Mexico — or maybe a counterculture festival in the 1960s.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Use discipline and planning and avoid emotional investing or knee-jerk reactions.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
For many jacaranda lovers, the labor of preservation was a knee-jerk reaction, like shielding a child from a blow.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
Lots of colors that, in a knee-jerk way, might remind one of India, Mexico — or maybe a counterculture festival in the 1960s.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Use discipline and planning and avoid emotional investing or knee-jerk reactions.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
For many jacaranda lovers, the labor of preservation was a knee-jerk reaction, like shielding a child from a blow.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk
Adjective
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At that point, benefits would be funded solely through incoming payroll taxes, triggering an automatic cut of around 21 percent unless Congress takes action.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
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The shift to a traditional automatic is a welcome retreat from old frustrations, the turbo’d engine is a step towards efficiency, and the cabin pivots firmly into the modern era.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These habits become reflex rather than top-down mandates.—
Khristian Gutierrez,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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The hard plastic cabinets have bass reflex ports on the rear along the top edge.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Aug. 2025
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Born in 1934, the nonagenarian Kurt Klaus is one of the most important watchmakers from the golden age of 20th-century mechanical horology.—
Oren Hartov,
Robb Report,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This eight-episode Netflix Arctic comedy is a must-watch about a young Inuk woman who wants to build a new future for herself and her daughter after a spontaneous split from her husband.—
Dana Feldman,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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What followed was a whirlwind of emergency vet visits, a spontaneous adoption and a shocking diagnosis that led to a major surgery.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Carter made an instinctive break on the ball for his interception in the second quarter.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
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Staten Island, New York For most adults, walking is instinctive, an act of human nature as spontaneous as breathing.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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With the convergence of robotic process automation (RPA), generative AI and process intelligence, a new paradigm is emerging at enterprises: AI recommends, human decides, bot executes.—
Dutt Kalluri,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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While attempting to negotiate Owens' surrender, the SWAT team deployed a robotic device to establish contact with him.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Be aware of sudden re-direction of fires in response to passing outflow boundaries.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Another customer says the soap works wonders for their mechanic husband and is powerful enough to remove dirt and grease.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
10 July 2025
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Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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