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 My creative process is instinctive and spontaneous. Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 Each guest is invited to discover the essences through an instinctive exploration guided by a specialist or Cheloni himself, aimed at choosing favorite notes and creating a bespoke fragrance. Sandra Salibian, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025 Ted Harbert, a former network executive and friend of the former Live with Kelly and Ryan host, told the outlet how Seacrest wanted the game to be almost instinctive for him, removing room for error. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 Now, not all of that was his fault because the Bills’ leadership tried to engineer some of the instinctive gunslinger out of his game. Tim Graham, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for instinctive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
Adjective
  • Cruz, who was among a group of lawmakers briefed on the collision by federal authorities, said the Black Hawk helicopter had switched off its automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast sometime prior to the Jan. 29 crash.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Mirroring of intransitive actions, also called automatic imitation, can be measured with what’s called a stimulus-response-compatibility (SRC) test.
    Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • At an early age, Melvin was learning about mechanical and chemical engineering through family activities with his parents who were school teachers.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The firm handled plumbing design, fire protection, mechanical and electrical upgrades to support the Superdome’s redesign.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • When the reflex actions are prevented, those muscle movements that ultimately cause the quick spoilage don’t occur.
    Simon Mainwaring, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Basal tears keep the eye moist, while reflex tears are meant to protect the eye from irritants like dust.
    Jeremy Engle, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • His staff shielded him from spontaneous encounters with the media, stepping in to lead him away from unscripted situations.
    Nolan Finley, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Think back to that love story where everything felt spontaneous and carefree — this could feel just like that but with a deeper, more romantic flair.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Around 350 ninth-grade students learned from 12 different demonstrations and research topics Wednesday, some of which included the science of growing cells, the exploration of bone disease through simulations, deep tissue technology and robotic prosthetics.
    Gael Langdon, arkansasonline.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The team demonstrated the robotic arm both gently stroking an egg (without the HeTRM) and cracking the shell (with the HeTRM).
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Harroun installed it with a bracket above the dashboard rather than have a mechanic ride in the race with him, as was the custom of the day.
    George Petras, USA TODAY, 24 May 2024
  • When Part 4 was released in August 2023, mechanic Bennie was losing his garage.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Apr. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near instinctive

Cite this Entry

“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on instinctive

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