instinct

noun

Definition of instinctnext
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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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 instinct The instinct in most growth-stage businesses is to chase awareness. — Sophie Attwood, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The traumatic birth sent Marris’ protective instincts into overdrive. — CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 Even behind the anchor desk, Rather’s inquisitive manner and reporter’s instincts for confrontation were well known. — Walter Podrazik, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 Libra Editing your wardrobe or personal environment is the perfect outlet for your aesthetic instincts right now. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
  1. tendency
  2. skill
  3. inclination
  4. impulse
  5. disposition
Noun
  • The perfect cup of coffee with Kevin Costner After reading prior interviews Costner had done with other outlets, one thing felt surprising given the actor's tendency toward the ruggedly handsome, cowboy archetype.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Not as praiseworthy is a tendency to dislike being told what to do, and in proving a point, to not only cut off their nose to spite their face but to lop off their heads as well.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • In the show, eight celebrity city dwellers with almost no survival skills are dropped into a remote natural environment for 18 days.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Slam Frank’s provocations, however, are leavened by Fox’s genuine skill with and respect for musical theater.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • And a lot of the time, people who have these kinds of inclinations towards children are people who were children who were abused themselves.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • If all goes according to plan, Electron will launch the Owlright, Owlright, Owlright payload into a 37-degree orbital inclination, for deployment at a LEO altitude of 347 miles (559 kilometers).
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • The impulses and outcomes of police work follow a choreographic sensibility as well.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The great revelation of the exhibition is Jafa’s early work, which begins the impulse toward horror seen throughout his more recent work.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of impulse
Noun
  • But even if Waldron’s disposition does not give off Master of the Universe vibes, his resumé certainly does.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This disposition that will serve the character well in the valleys of despair the story will soon unexpectedly plunge her into.
    — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of disposition

Browse Nearby Words

instills
instinct
instinctive
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Cite this Entry

“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on instinct

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about instinct

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