Synonyms of instinct

instinct

noun

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.

Related Words

• tendency
• skill
• inclination
• impulse
• disposition
• predisposition
• propensity
• predilection
• affinity
• bias
• penchant
• urge
• capability
• proclivity
• need
• partiality
• turn
• drive
• competence
• habitude
• power
• proficiency
• facility
• capacity
• potential
• leaning
• faculty
• talent
• aptitude
• specialty
• gift
• knack
• genius
• endowment
• flair
• forte
• speciality
• specialism
• bent
• head

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of instinct

Your instincts may be right, but proof and clear agreements will get you further than suspicion. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

The instinct has been to convert that leverage into export bans; the real challenge is converting it into industry. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 17 July 2026

For his critics, Nolan’s realist instincts will seem like an inability to surrender fully to the wonderment of the tale, indicating a fundamental mismatch between filmmaker and material. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

At a time when executives are grappling multiple workforce challenges, Perel says the instinct can be to rely on better tools or shorter meetings. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 17 July 2026