Synonyms of automatic

automatic 1 of 2

adjective

ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik 

1

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

• mechanical
• robotic
• reflex
• spontaneous
• mechanic
• instinctive
• simple
• sudden
• involuntary
• quick
• instinctual
• natural
• unwilling
• unconscious
• abrupt
• knee-jerk
• reactive
• conditioned
• blind
• inadvertent
• casual
• impulsive
• subliminal
• visceral
• Pavlovian
• unintentional
• impromptu
• random
• unforced
• unintended
• unreasoned
• unwitting
• snap
• ready
• improvised
• spur-of-the-moment
• extemporaneous
• hasty
• chance
• unplanned
• haphazard
• unpremeditated
• extempore
• offhand
• rash
• unrehearsed
• mindless
• unconsidered
• unprepared
• impetuous
• unstudied
• unprompted
• off-the-cuff
• offhanded
• hit-or-miss
• ad-lib
• chancy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• voluntary
• conscious
• deliberate
• intentional
• intended
• prepared
• volitional
• wilful
• careful
• willful
• designed
• nonmechanical
• predetermined
• calculated
• refined
• rehearsed
• cultivated
• willed
• projected
• thoughtful
• meticulous
• reasoned
• considered
• measured
• foresighted
• advised
• aforethought
• studied
• forethoughtful

2

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

• automated
• robotic
• mechanical
• self-operating
• self-acting
• laborsaving
• motorized
• self-regulating
• computerized
• nonmanual
• semiautomatic
• aiding
• easing
• time-saving
• relieving
• helping

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonautomatic
• nonautomated

automatic

2 of 2

noun

as in machine gun

Synonyms & Similar Words

• machine gun
• machine pistol
• assault rifle
• carbine
• assault weapon
• submachine gun
• shotgun
• rifle
• tommy gun
• repeater
• AK-47
• blunderbuss
• semiautomatic
• musket
• matchlock
• flintlock
• arquebus
• smoothbore
• breechloader
• harquebus
• culverin
• firelock
• fieldpiece
• .22
• twenty-two
• speargun
• self-loader
• pistol
• revolver
• handgun
• zip gun
• sidearm
• derringer
• firearm
• six-shooter
• small arm
• gun
• six-gun
• forty-five
• roscoe
• .45
• rod
• gat
• heat
• arm
• piece

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

Recent Examples of automatic

Adjective

After Waco, the ATF invested in tactical equipment and improved weapons systems, along with training on using tear gas and automatic weapons. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

Brightness adjustments are automatic, which can be a nuisance. —PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025

Noun

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