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

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

Some Korean beauty creators also describe using it when their skin feels overheated or reactive after exposure to the country’s changing weather and humidity.

— Sophie Dunne, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
That transforms insurance from reactive pricing into continuous risk intelligence.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 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

Inside is Blancpain’s automatic caliber 615, introduced in 1995 and refined over the following three decades.

— Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026
Items like window coverings, outdoor lighting, storage sheds and automatic garage door openers all add economic value.

— Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 17 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of Pavlovian

adjective

Example Sentences

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