automatic 1 of 2

automatic

2 of 2

noun

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
In the car world, automatics are practical and simple for the majority of commuting drivers, but enthusiasts often prefer the extra control and involvement of a clutch and a stick-shift. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024 For Prime Day there are a couple De’Longhi Magnifica models, the brand’s entry-level super automatics, on big sales. Noah Kaufman, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2024
Noun
That’s opposed to a semi-automatic rifle where the firearm uses a mechanism to chamber a subsequent round. Will Carless, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 Since automatic adjustments were introduced in 1975, the SSA has relied on CPI-W data from July through September to determine yearly benefit increases, with the goal of ensuring payments keep pace with rising expenses—such as housing, food and health care. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for automatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic
Adjective
  • Rather than employ mechanical changes to his swing, the Twins thought moving free and easy would simply allow Jenkins to attack more of the zone.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • While quartz has served the industry well for decades, its sensitivity to environmental conditions, mechanical stress and aging presents challenges in demanding applications.
    Markus Lutz, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Compliance Isn’t Automatic, Human Oversight Is Essential Regulatory complexity in banking spanning KYC, AML and consumer disclosures demands more than automated checklists.
    Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has filed a lawsuit suit against the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) and its CEO Stephen Edwards, claiming the parties sought to implement semi-automated cranes at the port without consulting the union first.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • My thoughts, instead of feeling like they were being released via machine gun, felt like they were launched from an old-timey pistol shot underwater, the propulsion forcibly slowed.
    P.E. Moskowitz September 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Many Allied soldiers drowned, hit mines or were cut down by Nazi machine gun crossfire.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • New rides like this one can cost $100 million, if not more, to create; incorporate LiDAR laser systems of the kind used on self-driving cars; and rely on robotic figures with thousands of moving parts.
    Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Surprising to see also are the robotic milking machines the farm has invested in that help streamline milk production.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • One casing is a 9mm caliber, likely a pistol, or a machine pistol or a submachine gun, Weir said.
    Mohammad Al Sawalhi, CNN, 26 June 2024
  • Prosecutors said police found two weapons in the getaway car when the men were detained on a highway about 50 kilometers (30 miles) outside Amsterdam, a Heckler and Koch machine pistol and, in a Louis Vuitton bag, a blank-firing pistol that had been modified to take 9-millimeter rounds.
    MIKE CORDER, ajc, 18 Oct. 2021
Adjective
  • There are varying depths of coma, however, and some people may still have some reflex responses.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Beyond that, though, the history of the past couple of years shows that NVDA's stock move isn't a reliable directional driver of the broad tape beyond the reflex reaction.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The shooting occurred in the same time frame as other shootings involving an assault rifle that occurred in San Diego and National City, according to police.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Westman had decorated the assault rifle and shotgun with hate speech in ways that aligned with the dark underbelly of alt-right meme culture that regularly disparages people of color, Jewish people, the LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Mid-century collective behavior theories considered social movements to be nonrational, spontaneous events occurring during moments of social and cultural breakdown.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This bill would entrench West Oakland and many other neighborhoods across the state as sacrifice zones, forcing us to deal with toxic chemicals and spontaneous fires for the sake of corporate profits.
    Brian Beveridge, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automatic. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on automatic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!