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

Not to mention, all the subconscious terrain, where one wrestles with memory, vulnerability, and presence.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of subconscious

Adjective

For starters, Drive’s dreamy and unabashed aestheticism represented a break from the rougher, more visceral films on which Winding Refn had built his reputation.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
But by incorporating the recurring ghost of Richie, a thirteen-year-old inmate who befriends the children—Ward combines the Southern Gothic with a socio-realist tradition in a voice that is both visceral and intimate.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 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

More likely she was hooked by the subliminal stirrings and emotional undertow of the music.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of subliminal

Adjective

Additionally, the metal has a non reactive layer of chromium oxide that further inhibits the strong chemical bond necessary for an actual seasoning to develop.

— Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
That turns renewals into strategic conversations instead of reactive cost-cutting exercises.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of reactive

Adjective

Narges Mohammadi, 54, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, was temporarily released from prison for medical reasons earlier this year after falling unconscious and being transferred to a hospital.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Sharaf connected with a clean 1-2 combination, with the left hook turning Steveson’s head and leaving the Olympic gold medalist unconscious on the canvas.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of unconscious

Adjective

Security Accounting software contains sensitive financial information, so only consider a platform with strong security measures like encryption, secure bank connections, authentication and automatic data backups.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
District title races rev up Friday night with 14 of the Sentinel Super 16 teams playing games that count in the chase for automatic state playoff berths.

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of automatic

Browse Nearby Words

paving the way (for)

Pavlovian

paw

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Cite this Entry

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“Pavlovian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Pavlovian. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of Pavlovian

adjective

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