as in tendency
a usually innate ability or desire to perform a specific activity
Pouncing on mice is a cat's natural instinct. We needed all of our survival instincts to make it through the weeks lost at sea.
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Recent Examples of instinct
All animal behavior could be reduced to reflex and instinct.
—
Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Clark is the point guard; her instinct should be to get better looks for her teammates rather than taking over the offense.
—Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
When deciding which brands to sign with, Fonseca trusts his instincts and chooses to collaborate with companies that complement his persona.
—Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
The script is a storytelling treasure, and Julia’s instincts set her apart as an emerging filmmaker.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Clark is the point guard; her instinct should be to get better looks for her teammates rather than taking over the offense.
—Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
When deciding which brands to sign with, Fonseca trusts his instincts and chooses to collaborate with companies that complement his persona.
—Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
The script is a storytelling treasure, and Julia’s instincts set her apart as an emerging filmmaker.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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People have a tendency to be pushy, aggressive and even compulsive today.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
-
Since the materials are designed to be stain-resistant and water-repellant, this couch perfectly suits our tendency to eat and drink in the living room.—
Meg Kernahan,
Architectural Digest,
15 May 2026
Noun
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But that trauma has passed, allowing Reilly to show off her riding skills in the new series.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Soon after my arrival, our experienced local guide Jorge rolled out the big map and planned the perfect itinerary for our short stay, catering to our preferences and skill level.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, 57, or Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, 45, are both often mentioned as possible firm hands who could steer the party, though neither has shown much inclination to enter the fray this time round.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
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My inclination would be to say probably not.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Amid the early-spring lightness of the filmmaking, Fukada values softly plainspoken earnestness of emotion, as his repressed, recessive characters learn to listen to their own impulses in the general stillness that surrounds them.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 May 2026
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Charlestonians love Planter’s Punch, so the impulse to claim this drink’s origins makes sense.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
But Randle’s disposition spearheaded Minnesota’s approach.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
5 May 2026
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Deputies will document all referrals and dispositions so the department can track how often services are offered, what resources are utilized and whether those efforts are producing measurable results.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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