AUTOMATIC Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

automatic 1 of 2

adjective

ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik

Definition of automatic

as in mechanical

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision Carl's automatic use of the brakes narrowly averted a collision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in automated

designed to replace or decrease human labor and especially physical labor liked the ease of an automatic floor cleaner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

automatic

2 of 2

noun

as in machine gun

Related Words

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

The plant’s automatic suppression system contained the fire to the affected racks. — Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026 Plus, it's got an automatic reeling system to pull the tethering cable back into its body at the press of a button. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 29 July 2026

Noun

Indeed, if the manual gearbox had the DSG automatic's ratios, the paragraphs above would have a very different tenor. — ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025 Notre Dame is simply trying to figure out how to make the automatics automatic. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for automatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic

Adjective

Pushing high-speed lines through deep water barriers demonstrates mechanical durability and precision control.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
Berto’s marketing exec Andrea de Fatima Facchin said the mill began to develop fabrics with Banantex in 2024 after being drawn to the next-generation material’s environmental integrity and superior mechanical properties.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 July 2026

Definition of mechanical

Noun

Just like in the darnkess cave, the snarling machine gun of thoughts—unanswered emails, to-dos, and angst about my 17 year old’s plans to travel the world alone—slowly fell silent.

— Tim Neville, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
According to prosecutors, a group of gunmen later tracked Bowman to Los Angeles in 2022, then stalked and ambushed him at a gas station near the Beverly Center, firing at least 18 rounds from multiple weapons, including a machine gun.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026

Definition of machine gun

Adjective

Massive robotic nozzles squirted layer upon layer of concrete under the high desert sun.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
None of the 26 patients who underwent robotic surgery had to be converted to an open procedure, and surgeons achieved clear margins in each case.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 30 July 2026

Definition of robotic

Noun

Henrichsen reportedly had an AR-15 assault rifle and knives in the trailer with him.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Nicolas Cage headlines through the Nick Cage Event Pass running June 25 to July 23, whose free track hands out the AN-94 assault rifle and Executioner's Duet melee weapon.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Definition of assault rifle

Adjective

As the session continues, Atlas’s movements appear increasingly fluid, suggesting the system is being evaluated not only for strength but also for agility, reflex response, and adaptive motor control.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
Wyle listened to the two women’s breathing and administered a reflex test on their knees.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 May 2026

Definition of reflex

Adjective

And, contrary to the fantasies of libertarians, no good road net has ever emerged from the spontaneous actions of individuals maximizing their own welfare and without collective action through government.

— Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 July 2026
Corrin remembers getting a custom leather wash bag at Hôtel de Crillon in Paris but says a spontaneous gesture meant even more.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of spontaneous

Browse Nearby Words

automated

automatic

automatically

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“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automatic. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of automatic

adjective

noun

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