as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
the instinctive reaction of a mother is to protect her children
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instinctive
How did that instinctive approach to making music actually play out in practice?
—
Liam Hess, Vogue, 9 June 2025
As part of that instinctive approach, Webster has historically recorded songs soon after writing them.
—Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 5 June 2025
Yet, even if his finishing is instinctive, there is planning behind Mateta’s approach.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Instead, Agyemang answered with the kind of instinctive finishing that had abandoned Charlotte during its skid.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Liam Hess, Vogue, 9 June 2025
As part of that instinctive approach, Webster has historically recorded songs soon after writing them.
—Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 5 June 2025
Yet, even if his finishing is instinctive, there is planning behind Mateta’s approach.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Instead, Agyemang answered with the kind of instinctive finishing that had abandoned Charlotte during its skid.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
Adjective
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Whisker Litter-Robot 4: $699 (Litter Robot) The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is an automatic litter box known for its sleek design, quiet operation and strong odor control with its sealed waste drawer and carbon filter.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
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Earlier this month, men’s and women’s basketball added a coaches challenge and removed automatic replays for out-of-bounds calls in the final two minutes for the sake of game flow.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
-
Nam-gyu is knocked off by the mechanical rope to his death.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
16 May 2025
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The Loewe Grand inicio is a powerful two-way speaker with a bass reflex system and is available as a floor-standing speaker.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Dating rocks involves using radiometric techniques that harness the natural and spontaneous radioactive decay of certain elements in the rock, which acts as a type of clock.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
27 June 2025
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If a dog park is too much, just walking your pup around your neighborhood or visiting local breweries or restaurants with dog-friendly patios can lead to spontaneous chats and recurring friendly encounters.—
Sunny Hubler,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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In a recording of a telephone call heard by CNN, a person outside of Iran hoping to hear their friend’s voice on the other line, was instead met with a robotic voice.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
21 June 2025
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The robotic mission proceeded normally until April 1, when the spacecraft detected a drop in pressure inside the line that feeds xenon fuel to its four thrusters.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Home in foreclosure, a mobile mechanic Online records show that his Canby Street home was in foreclosure last year and sold in September for $60,000.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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