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

In a world of constant visibility and instant judgment, the cost of failure can feel higher than ever— the instinct is to avoid risk, protect what exists, and wait for certainty that never arrives. — Keith Krach, Fortune, 3 July 2026

Advertisement Reformers of the Progressive era shared many of these anxieties, yet their instinct was to revise rather than reject the patriotic impulse. — Dominic Erdozain, Time, 3 July 2026

The studio showed strong instincts when picking creative partners on the horror side, too. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026

Backyard ideas for dogs that match their instincts Dog digging pit. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026