killer instinct

noun

Synonyms of killer instinctnext
: an aggressive tenacious urge for domination in a struggle to attain a set goal

Examples of killer instinct in a Sentence

Her killer instincts have helped her become one of the top tennis players in the world.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And while Paraguay deserve plenty of blame for what was a shockingly poor effort, Maucio Pochettino’s USMNT also deserves credit for instilling a killer instinct in his side that broke that Albirroja spirit. Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Strong, powerful, killer instinct mentality wise. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026 The entrepreneur and lifestyle icon has built a career out of creating and celebrating beautiful things, but a killer instinct for business is why her career has far outpaced the men’s around her. Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026 During the third, his killer instinct shifted focus. Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for killer instinct

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of killer instinct was in 1931

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20instinct. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on killer instinct

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster