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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of instinct
The dribbling instincts of a winger, paired with the vision and spatial awareness of a midfielder, make Moleiro a unique asset in the pool of young playmakers.
—
Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 June 2025
According to Anthropic’s technical document laying out the findings, that isn’t the model’s first instinct.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 1 June 2025
But, ultimately, Trump relies on his own instincts above all else when making decisions.
—Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
The Human Pitch mindset gives you what traditional reviews can’t: a read on voice, a sense of instinct and a glimpse into the people who will build the thing together, not just sell it.
—Flavio Vidigal, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 June 2025
According to Anthropic’s technical document laying out the findings, that isn’t the model’s first instinct.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 1 June 2025
But, ultimately, Trump relies on his own instincts above all else when making decisions.
—Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
The Human Pitch mindset gives you what traditional reviews can’t: a read on voice, a sense of instinct and a glimpse into the people who will build the thing together, not just sell it.
—Flavio Vidigal, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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The heavy stacks of cash fit into a pattern emerging throughout the trial as prosecutors attempt to paint Combs as a man spoiled by success, able to hide a tendency for abuse and criminality through a large staff and an ever-larger fortune.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
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That’s the tendency, when arriving at such milestones — to celebrate the past, and the distance traveled.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Additional songs teach kids the days of the week and the importance of washing your hands—now those are the kids of practical life skills wrapped up in an entertaining package both parents and kids can appreciate.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
13 June 2025
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Both coaches, who have been in Stanley Cup Finals before and in hockey their whole lives, remarked on the pace, physicality, the quality of hockey from board battles to open ice skill plays.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
Noun
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In conversations about smart buildings or workplace technology, there’s often an inclination to jump to the latest tools or features.—
Swapna Sathyan,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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This is because a planet's altitude in the sky is dependent in part on the inclination of the ecliptic relative to the horizon, which shifts throughout the year due to Earth's wobbling orbit.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
31 May 2025
Noun
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Shows about money gratified both people’s escapist impulses and the desire to critique those who didn’t seem worthy of their blessings.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
7 June 2025
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Yet, for these two men who are well-versed in all of these things, the return to the base impulse of competition, insults and secret-shaming creates collateral damage and chaos.—
Chris Westfall,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
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On the other hand, those with a certain chronotype — a natural disposition determined by factors such as age and genetics — may benefit from the habit, Fiala said, referencing a 2023 study which found night owls tend to rely on their snooze button more.—
Kameryn Griesser,
CNN Money,
26 May 2025
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He was released from jail on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon for a disposition hearing, court records show.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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