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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
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
The beautiful brute makes more than 850 hp and can be paired with either a manual six-speed transmission or a 10-speed automatic configuration. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2025 But how many others go unseen? Shining a light on the 'dark fleet' Much of what the world knows about global industrial fishing comes from the automatic identification system, or AIS, which many ships are required to use. Jennifer Raynor, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for automatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • For the rowers gliding past the cleanup site, the mechanical intervention represents both an end and a beginning: the removal of London’s most embarrassing landmark and a step toward the Thames that millions of Londoners want their river to become.
    Dakota Bennett, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The second, omnichannel expansion, covers aggressive growth in both digital platforms and physical retail—including immersive flagship stores and automated vending machines—supporting international sales while deepening brand touchpoints.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Users have shared horror stories on platforms such as X and Reddit about Otter's automated recording tools backfiring.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • According to the plea agreement, Manning and his co-conspirators trafficked at least 22 firearms to people who were known felons or sold guns that had been converted into unregistered machine guns.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The agents in Iran who broke into the safes, set up the machine guns, blasted the air defenses and watched the scientists’ apartments were not Israelis.
    Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Well, while other planets in our solar system are anything but habitable for humans, Mars gets a decent amount of sunlight, has water sources and is already a planet where humanity has sent robotic rovers to scout the terrain.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Among militaries, the U.S. Air Force operates a robotic orbital space plane called the X-37B, while China has a similar aircraft called Shelong.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 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
  • The Sensor Coordinates the Action If the battery is the heart of the electric bike, sensors are the nerve tissues of the spinal cord that coordinate the reflex actions of the motor.
    Stephanie Pearson, Wired News, 8 Aug. 2025
  • These habits become reflex rather than top-down mandates.
    Khristian Gutierrez, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Then Dempsey allegedly pulled his assault rifle out of his pants and opened fire in the store, pulling the trigger six times.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The attacker, 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura, entered the office tower with an assault rifle and body armor, fatally shooting a security guard, a Blackstone executive, a Rudin Management associate, and an off-duty NYPD officer before taking his own life.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • The music has caught the attention of big names, including one of the Beach Boys and YouTube star Rob Landes, who held a spontaneous concert during his layover.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2025
  • This could result in a friend dragging you on a spontaneous road trip or a conversation that turns into a romantic connection with someone from a different background.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automatic. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

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