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automatic

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word automatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of automatic are impulsive, instinctive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

Where would impulsive be a reasonable alternative to automatic?

While the synonyms impulsive and automatic are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When could instinctive be used to replace automatic?

The words instinctive and automatic can be used in similar contexts, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When would mechanical be a good substitute for automatic?

In some situations, the words mechanical and automatic are roughly equivalent. However, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When is it sensible to use spontaneous instead of automatic?

The meanings of spontaneous and automatic largely overlap; however, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

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 automatic
Adjective
In the car world, automatics are practical and simple for the majority of commuting drivers, but enthusiasts often prefer the extra control and involvement of a clutch and a stick-shift. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024 For Prime Day there are a couple De’Longhi Magnifica models, the brand’s entry-level super automatics, on big sales. Noah Kaufman, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2024
Noun
The Eletta Explore is a fully automatic machine that crafts more than 50 hot and cold drinks, including cold brew in under 3 minutes. Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025 The transmission is automatic; the brakes and suspension have also been upgraded. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for automatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For Nio, this surge underlines the value of its fast, automated swap system, capable of changing a depleted battery in under three minutes.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
  • This story has been updated with the ED's automated email and comment from Painter.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Handguns can be modified through switches, effectively turning a handgun into a machine gun, meaning holding the trigger will fire bullets rapidly until the trigger is released by the shooter.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Two other 16-year-old boys were arrested for dangerous possession of a firearm and possession of a machine gun related to the shooting.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The company has announced plans to expand its lineup, aiming to introduce several additional robotic platforms by the end of the year.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
  • For now, there’s broad agreement that AI is nowhere near taking away the jobs of technicians, at least not until robotic technology significantly advances.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • One casing is a 9mm caliber, likely a pistol, or a machine pistol or a submachine gun, Weir said.
    Mohammad Al Sawalhi, CNN, 26 June 2024
  • Prosecutors said police found two weapons in the getaway car when the men were detained on a highway about 50 kilometers (30 miles) outside Amsterdam, a Heckler and Koch machine pistol and, in a Louis Vuitton bag, a blank-firing pistol that had been modified to take 9-millimeter rounds.
    MIKE CORDER, ajc, 18 Oct. 2021
Adjective
  • In each case, there's a recognition that some players might want to explore a game's world—to experience the characters, art, and dialogue that the developers worked so hard to craft—without struggling through mechanical reflex tests or grindy, repetitive challenges.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2025
  • This realistic doctor’s coat has everything your aspiring doctor needs to give their patients a check-up, including a face mask, a stethoscope with sound effects (AAA batteries not included), thermometer, syringe, reflex hammer, and reusable name tag.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The incident comes one week after a man rammed his pickup truck into the front of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and opened fire with an assault rifle, killing four worshipers and injuring eight others.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Eyewitnesses told authorities Sanford got out of his truck shooting at members with an assault rifle then set off an inferno as terrified members rushed to get everyone out of the building.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From sunny beaches and cultural city breaks to mountain towns framed by fall foliage, autumn offers plenty of affordable options for a spontaneous getaway.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025
  • So Rey and Ismael and their band played their first gig, a spontaneous Catholic block party.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automatic. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

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