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
Officials suggested that Inky was not necessarily trying to flee poor conditions but rather acting on instinct and exploration.
—
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
Later, Bill from True Blood tells Jol that his instincts about the investment were right.
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Looking back, Kristen hopes sharing Miley's story will encourage other parents to trust their instincts.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Sickert is showcased here for both his impressionistic instincts and his portrayal of previously taboo art subjects such as prostitutes and the impoverished.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
Later, Bill from True Blood tells Jol that his instincts about the investment were right.
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Looking back, Kristen hopes sharing Miley's story will encourage other parents to trust their instincts.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Sickert is showcased here for both his impressionistic instincts and his portrayal of previously taboo art subjects such as prostitutes and the impoverished.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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Fortunately, Sanctions balances its downer tendencies with moments of levity and peculiar arrangements that only Souled American could have concocted.—
Zach Schonfeld,
Pitchfork,
17 Apr. 2026
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The tendency to dig your own hole is ironic, and history is a great teacher.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The former three-star recruit has the production, movement skills and temperament to hear his name early.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
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Students learn an abundance of skills in business, art and design, fashion design, photography, software development, and more.—
Chris Wragge,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Who knew that such daring would lead to a film that avoids these inclinations entirely, especially one that could have so easily leaned into controversial territory?—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
15 Apr. 2026
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The 11 satellites on board are flying to a mid-inclination orbit.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In astrology, Venus speaks to your desires, relationships and sense of ease, while Mars governs your actions, impulses and pursuits.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
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Liebig said the impulse to collect these boxes and other memorabilia can come from nostalgia and general fondness of the brand.—
Heather Bushman,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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His next court appearance is his disposition hearing on April 30.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
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Olvin Carcamo-Meza, 19, pleaded guilty during a Tuesday afternoon disposition hearing to two counts of first-degree assault, a felony, and two violent crime sentence enhancers, according to Arapahoe County court records.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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