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

Padmini smiled, though this appeared more reflex than friendliness.

— Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
One breath, just long enough to let the reflex pass and judgment catch up.

— Alfonso Cahero, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of reflex

Adjective

Hoover’s post-game comments may not have been a conscious shot back at his former head coach, but this could be a case of a subconscious hard at work.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026
Solms also makes a credible claim that Freud was right in speaking about a subconscious drive to seek pleasure.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of subconscious

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

Her minimalist expression is matched by Hildur Gudnadóttir’s almost subliminal composition and sound design that now represents a beating heart, now thundering clouds.

— Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of subliminal

Adjective

O’Connell is mostly reactive at first, with Larry skeptical about Rupert’s ambitions and hesitant to seem too eager.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
This diagnostic shift moves management out of reactive fire-fighting and into intentional system design.

— Natalie Grabher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of reactive

Adjective

Another of the crew, a South Korean, was discovered unconscious by coast guard rescuers before being sent to a hospital on the mainland and declared dead there, the coast guard said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
The massage therapist was found unconscious on July 30 near the intersection of 28th Street and Prospect Avenue, according to Capt.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of unconscious

Adjective

While most of the vandals ripping down automatic license plate readers prefer to go incognito, an Albuquerque character named Jevon Martinez isn’t afraid to show his face.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
Shohei Ohtani struck out four consecutive times for the first time this season, including in the 10th with an automatic runner at third.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of Pavlovian

adjective

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