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automatic

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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
Cybercriminals exploit outdated systems, so enabling automatic updates is a simple but effective way to stay protected. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025 What to Know Opposition to automatic start-stop systems has grown steadily, especially among drivers in hotter climates or those who experience inconsistent engine restarts. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 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 See All Example Sentences for automatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2025
  • The company's debut product, an all-black keyboard with no key labels, put mechanical keyboards on the radar of computer geeks and general consumers alike.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Technology defines the financial services industry, from providing real-time data and automated strategies to allowing for superior trade execution.
    David Billy, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • There are advertisements for automated tools for compliance, security, graphic design, customer service, IT, job-interview coaching, even custom insoles—and, above all, AI products that promise to speed the development of still more powerful AI products.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Later, rare earths were used as an alloy in ammunition for machine guns.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 9 May 2025
  • He has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Through robotic production line, Losanje manages to transform finished textile products — from clothing to bedsheets and curtains, among other goods — into ready-to-reuse fabrics.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
  • People with autism may unintentionally use monotonous, robotic speech that sounds abnormal or disinterested to others.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 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
  • In addition, the bass reflex port on these speakers is front-facing, which means that they can be placed close to walls without risk of distortion.
    Brad Moon, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • But ultimately, the week ended with a pretty good array of extremes in selling pressure and hedging demand of the sort that should turn the risk-reward more favorable for a reflex bounce before too long.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ronald McDonald pulling on a Marlboro Red, an assault rifle slung across his back while on break from operating the Happy Meal command center/ball pit?
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
  • Officers carrying assault rifles can be seen along the edge of a crowd of students evacuated from a building on campus.
    Graham Hurley, Aaron Fisher and Katherine Jennings, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Pockets of time when most parents are homebound are now ripe for spontaneous hangouts, especially because their kids can entertain one another.
    Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
  • But most mutations are acquired — from lifestyle, environmental exposures, or spontaneous errors during cell division.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automatic. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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