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

That mindset simplifies his decision-making, sharpens perception and allows his performance to become more instinctive. —Elise Devlin, New York Times, 29 May 2026

Communication asks for care as instinctive Moon in your 3rd House of Communication opposes vulnerable Chiron in your 9th House of Expansion, revealing belief gaps. —Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026

Intrigued by the world of espionage, Bond finds an unexpected ally in M (Priyanga Burford), who sees his potential as an agent capable of taking control in messy situations by leaning into his instinctive and improvisational style. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 26 May 2026

Often called instinctive parenting, people who use this parenting style trust their intuition and gut feelings, often drawing from their own experiences to determine what choices to make for their own children. —Parents, 24 May 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