Synonym Chooser

How is the word instinctive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of instinctive are automatic, impulsive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When is automatic a more appropriate choice than instinctive?

In some situations, the words automatic and instinctive are roughly equivalent. However, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When might impulsive be a better fit than instinctive?

The meanings of impulsive and instinctive largely overlap; however, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

In what contexts can mechanical take the place of instinctive?

The words mechanical and instinctive can be used in similar contexts, but mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

Where would spontaneous be a reasonable alternative to instinctive?

While the synonyms spontaneous and instinctive are close in meaning, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of instinctive Our senses are confined to this more instinctive view of reality. Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 Stamp seemed to have an instinctive understanding of this approach. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2025 For most adults, walking is instinctive, an act of human nature as spontaneous as breathing. Michael Collins, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025 But the move could be more of an instinctive reflex than a reflection of what's really driving markets. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
Adjective
  • There is no semi-automatic offside system as in La Liga.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The system has an automatic self-cleaning function and is designed for easy, tool-free filter replacement, with filters lasting from 12 to 24 months.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ganatra and Weiss make everything feel a bit mechanical rather than an escalating spiral of craziness, and too many scenes play like montage fodder without actually taking the plot anywhere.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond that, though, the history of the past couple of years shows that NVDA's stock move isn't a reliable directional driver of the broad tape beyond the reflex reaction.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
  • During that second stay, a routine reflex test caused his leg to jerk violently, prompting a full spinal MRI.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Butler never imagined Zimmerer – a typically non-spontaneous person – would drop everything to book a flight and travel more than 1,500 miles from Nebraska to be there.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Earlier in the tournament, Sinner said that their meetings now will never be quite as spontaneous as the epic five-setter here three years ago, which announced their rivalry to the world.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • An ‘instinctual trainer’ But SeaWorld.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Thomasin’s work has a beautiful authenticity and emotional depth to it, while Toby is so instinctual and alive as an actor.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The couple married in 2019 in a ceremony officiated by Sutskever at OpenAI’s offices, with a robotic hand serving as ring bearer.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Having a robotic bear, rabbit, chicken or fox the size of a refrigerator coming after you in the dark was truly terrifying.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Part surgeon, part mechanic — as seen sawing away at a leg in EW's exclusive Fall Movie Preview image, above — days spent filming in Victor's lab were some of the actor's favorite.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Three men who worked at a mechanic shop near where the truck was abandoned were taken into custody but later released due to insufficient evidence.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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