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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But overall, the global findings jibe with other research that has demonstrated that young people today have been showing many positive trends, including a tendency to be more empathetic, less narcissistic, more inclusive and even more patient than past generations.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
19 Mar. 2026
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Our results show a tendency, not a rule, and understanding where this variation comes from will be fascinating to discover.—
Logan S. James,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Vucan, now in his 10th season as Carroll’s head coach and 15th overall with the program, left his home city of El Paso to test his skills in a more competitive baseball region of the state.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The print that swaths each selection here nods to that sartorial inclination and channels feminine beauty at every angle.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
17 Mar. 2026
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The 11 satellites on board are flying to a mid-inclination orbit.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 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 23 Mar. 2026.
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