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

His plan revolves around sticking to an approach and letting his natural instincts and abilities take over. — Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026

Ori’s last stand Right after Savu lost the challenge, my first instinct was that Devin was a goner. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

Your first instinct may be to tighten your grip, but flexibility could serve you better. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

Today, governments are falling back on the same instinct—to join forces, but not all their forces. — Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026