instinctive

adjective

in·​stinc·​tive in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or being instinct

2

: prompted by natural instinct or propensity : arising spontaneously

… an instinctive fear of innovation.

—V. L. Parrington

instinctively adverb

Synonyms of instinctive

• automatic
• mechanical
• reflex
• spontaneous
• instinctual
• robotic
• mechanic

Choose the Right Synonym for instinctive

spontaneous, impulsive, instinctive, automatic, mechanical mean acting or activated without deliberation.

spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

Examples of instinctive in a Sentence

Cats have an instinctive desire to hunt.

the instinctive reaction of a mother is to protect her children

Recent Examples on the Web

His instinctive reaction, tearful after losing another final, was to throw in the towel, to announce his career with Argentina was over at the age of 29, to focus on his club career, which by comparison brought him so much joy and so little anxiety. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026

In your 10th House of Career and Status, the instinctive Moon conjoins harmonious Venus, helping your public presence land with more warmth and polish. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Researchers also aim to integrate the sensing-actuation loop directly into soft robots, enabling instinctive responses, while using its rich force signals to improve perception and interaction in complex environments. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Professional momentum builds as the instinctive Moon conjoins passionate Mars in your 10th House of Career, turning focus into action on a goal that lifts your public standing. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for instinctive

• distinctive

Kids Definition

instinctive

adjective

in·​stinc·​tive in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or being instinct

2

: resulting from or caused by instinct

instinctively adverb

Medical Definition

instinctive

adjective

in·​stinc·​tive in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or being instinct

2

: derived from or prompted by instinct

an instinctive fear

instinctively adverb