PAVLOVIAN Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Pavlovian

adjective

Definition of Pavlovian

as in reflex

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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 Pavlovian Publications from the Times on down employ clickbait headlines that treat you like a starving rat in a Pavlovian experiment. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 O’Neill, who also has Pavlovian as a starter, named Cristian Torres to ride Robusta because Emisael Jaramillo had commitments at Santa Anita. — Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026 Having been in a couple of recent street fights in Derby qualifying races, Pavlovian looks to have a haymaker’s chance. — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Why this is so is based on a number of factors, including official priorities, trade-offs, and what many suspect is Pavlovian manipulation. — New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Pavlovian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for Pavlovian

Adjective

One breath, just long enough to let the reflex pass and judgment catch up.

— Alfonso Cahero, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
One of the most notable advantages of reflex balls is their inherent unpredictability.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

Definition of reflex

Adjective

We are swayed by subconscious gestures that ultimately have no bearing on a person’s ability to do a job, like poor posture or a weak handshake.

— Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Nolan has embraced an elaborately mathematical approach to storytelling and somehow applied it successfully to the subjects of subconscious corporate espionage, space exploration, and World War II.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Definition of subconscious

Adjective

Key Takeaways Metabolically unhealthy normal weight is often associated with higher visceral fat, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

— Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026
Jessica transforms the betrayal of a generation taught that work would protect them into visceral cinema, where illness cracks the skin while luxury masks collapse.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of visceral

Adjective

As the protagonist Ben in Night of the Living Dead (1968), Duane Jones unveiled a distinct facet of pre-conditioned Black martyrdom.

— Malik Peay, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2023
The new formula is infused with a luscious blend of flower oils so that lashes feel conditioned and supple to the touch.

— Daisy Maldonado, SELF, 13 Sep. 2022

Definition of conditioned

Adjective

Rather than questioning the practice of manifesting more broadly, though, Theiadora thinks the problem lies with a handful of rogue subliminal creators.

— Daisy Schofield, Allure, 13 July 2026
Drop after drop after drop from the receivers and tight ends — all while Brandon Aiyuk continued to post subliminal messages on social media amid his feud with the 49ers.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 17 June 2026

Definition of subliminal

Adjective

East Hampton Town police responded to a 911 call from a man reporting a woman unconscious on a boat docked around midnight the day she was pronounced dead, according to last year’s statement.

— Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
The Enneagram is a leadership consciousness and process map that reveals our gifts and unconscious patterns that can limit our dash story.

— Catherine Bell, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconscious

Adjective

Bo Bichette singled off Matt Festa to score automatic runner Francisco Lindor in the 10th inning, helping the New York Mets to a wild 6-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Bo Bichette drove in Francisco Lindor, the automatic runner, with a single off right-hander Matt Festa in the top of the 10th.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of automatic

Browse Nearby Words

paving the way (for)

Pavlovian

paw

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“Pavlovian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Pavlovian. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of Pavlovian

adjective

Example Sentences

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