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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instinct
According to Feline Behavior Solutions, one of those instincts is the tendency to seek out secluded, secure places — perfect for avoiding predators or caring for young.
—
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Even without pads, the athleticism and instincts of running back Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton have impressed Herbert.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Astrid stands out as a positive representation of a confident and smart young woman who doesn’t rely on her beauty, but rather her instincts and her unique skill set.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 12 June 2025
These days, the instinct for self-preservation may be losing out to the thirst for adventure.
—J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Even without pads, the athleticism and instincts of running back Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton have impressed Herbert.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Astrid stands out as a positive representation of a confident and smart young woman who doesn’t rely on her beauty, but rather her instincts and her unique skill set.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 12 June 2025
These days, the instinct for self-preservation may be losing out to the thirst for adventure.
—J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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Republicans argue these tactics reflect a tendency by the governor to prioritize optics over sustainable fiscal solutions.—
Elaine Mallon,
The Washington Examiner,
16 June 2025
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Key inputs to this call include the tendencies of mature bull markets, some likely profit-margin slippage from tariffs, moderating earnings gains and the chance that the Fed will resume rate cuts in coming months.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
14 June 2025
Noun
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The local event is part of a yearly nationwide ham radio open house, during which more than 40,000 amateur radio clubs throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate its science, skill, and service to communities and the nation.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
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Sure, Amelia gets to do some cool stuff like scamper on all fours toward a target, scramble down a wall like a spider, rip the head off one poor unfortunate and neutralize entire tactical units with her dazzling fight skills.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
25 June 2025
Noun
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And, swear to God, my inclination to be a doctor was that.—
Kimberly Dishongh,
Arkansas Online,
22 June 2025
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And Just Like That is out of a inclination to see Carrie continue to live her messy and fabulous life as a pretty egregiously out-of-touch Manhattan socialite.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
20 June 2025
Noun
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In Pip Adam’s extraordinary, humane novel Audition, recently released in the United States, space is both the dystopian place where humanity’s worst impulses flourish and a site of uncharted possibility where humans can become something entirely new.—
Robert Rubsam,
The Atlantic,
21 June 2025
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The researchers found that electrical impulses spiked when specific angles of the sky were shown.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
18 June 2025
Noun
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That process would happen without the formal bids or public referendum typically required for disposition of city property.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2025
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Whether by design or disposition, from Wall Street to Main Streets, China to Chicago, the chaos and radical uncertainty sown by the President’s words and deeds finds consumer and corporate sentiment jumpier than Elon at a Trump rally before their break-up.—
Seth Matlins,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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