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 There is an instinct to make sure that people realize that that isn’t your plan. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Boasting a devastating, quick attacking unit in Cole Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro, Chelsea’s instinct has been to sit back and invite opponents forward, creating gaps to exploit on the counter. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Michael Douglas' basic instincts kicked in at the right time and right place. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 There, the nationalist instincts driving Rubio’s speech found more vociferous expression. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 14 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
  • Rodney also framed the trend as a backlash against the past decade’s grind and her own generation’s infamous tendency to work themselves to the bone.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Shultz claims Holmes spotted Balwani’s abusive tendencies and clocked him as the perfect fall guy if things went south.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • The students who stepped forward when their teacher collapsed playing basketball in Michigan illustrate what becomes possible when CPR skills are taught before they are needed.
    — Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Cheung said professionalism, patience and strong communication skills are particularly important for applicants, as is the ability to offer constructive criticism to students.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • At Roberto Cavalli, makeup artist Yadim had the same inclination for highly pigmented metallic shades, a choice that punctuated key looks also at Jil Sander.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • OpenAI’s closest rival, Anthropic, has shown no inclination to delay its own IPO, which is expected sometime before year’s end.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • Helen’s initial impulse is to keep Pablo confined to her room.
    — Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The answers to these questions could ultimately help shape a larger debate about humanity’s extraterrestrial future—and whether the impulse to make other worlds more like our own should be tempered by any obligation to leave them undisturbed.
    — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of impulse
Noun
  • As for finishing touches and accessories, Ortega sported a pair of strappy gold sandal heels, amplifying the sunny disposition of her attire, and wore a set of statement cocktail rings to boot.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Their commitment and disposition to become familiar with governing documents, ask informed questions, and work constructively with other directors are often more important than simply having strong opinions about community issues.
    — Gary M. Mars, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of disposition

Browse Nearby Words

instills
instinct
instinctive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on instinct

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about instinct

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