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
In Wednesday’s 7-2 win over Cuba to clinch Canada’s first-ever quarterfinal berth, Clarke’s instincts and speed were on display in the sixth inning.
—
Maria Torres, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Ponds is rarely out of position in zone or man coverage, and features elite instincts and awareness.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
While our instincts are to jump into action after something like this happens, allow yourself a moment to breathe.
—Mamie Bah, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
Smart decisions under stress come from structure, not instinct alone.
—Fazila Shahid, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Maria Torres, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Ponds is rarely out of position in zone or man coverage, and features elite instincts and awareness.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
While our instincts are to jump into action after something like this happens, allow yourself a moment to breathe.
—Mamie Bah, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
Smart decisions under stress come from structure, not instinct alone.
—Fazila Shahid, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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There is a tendency at this time of the year to blind-resume compare – to throw up two schools with all their metrics and argue who does and doesn’t belong in the tournament.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
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The film noir tackles the corruptive tendencies of power, with Broderick Crawford as a populist politician who rises up as a Southern governor and wields dangerous influence.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Along with his staff of residents, med students, and nurses, Robby patches up the Steel City’s working poor with an almost Mother Teresan goodheartedness and skill.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
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At the same time, the collection was a path for King to stretch his skills in a way that naturally aligned with bringing a new perspective to Zara Home’s lineup.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The 11 satellites on board are flying to a mid-inclination orbit.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
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The younger Khamenei is close to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the regime’s decision to elevate him to the top spot is seen as evidence hard-liners are in charge with little inclination to reach a deal that ends the war.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The impulse to share the ball, to get everyone involved, goes far beyond Strong.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
18 Mar. 2026
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More and more, following along with their wildest, most spontaneous impulses proves rewarding.—
Samuel Hyland,
Pitchfork,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Leslie Hairston, a former City Council colleague of Preckwinkle’s whose South Side ward abutted hers, said Preckwinkle’s scholarly disposition shouldn’t be mistaken for indifference.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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Another example of the voluntary nature of her disposition.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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