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 Game 5 was the summation of his work in the dunker spot with his instinctive cutting. Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 That’s the paradox of conflict — our most instinctive reactions are often misinterpreted. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Lear’s amazing and relentless right hand at Act III Productions, Brent Miller, and Laverne’s instinctive manager-producer, Paul Hilepo. Dan Ewen, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025 Gray is an instinctive athlete (8.90 RAS) who can be weaponized in the run game, but there’s still work to do in pass pro. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
Adjective
  • Lola Jones, Hillsdale softball: Jones pitched the final eight innings of Hillsdale’s nine-inning 2-1 win over Aragon, conceding only an automatic runner in the ninth and striking out seven.
    Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
  • Every reliever except Yuki Matsui has been complicit, though Jeremiah Estrada’s unearned run came after the automatic runner was placed on second in the 10th inning on Wednesday.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2025
  • The company's debut product, an all-black keyboard with no key labels, put mechanical keyboards on the radar of computer geeks and general consumers alike.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • In addition, the bass reflex port on these speakers is front-facing, which means that they can be placed close to walls without risk of distortion.
    Brad Moon, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • But ultimately, the week ended with a pretty good array of extremes in selling pressure and hedging demand of the sort that should turn the risk-reward more favorable for a reflex bounce before too long.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Pockets of time when most parents are homebound are now ripe for spontaneous hangouts, especially because their kids can entertain one another.
    Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
  • But most mutations are acquired — from lifestyle, environmental exposures, or spontaneous errors during cell division.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Through robotic production line, Losanje manages to transform finished textile products — from clothing to bedsheets and curtains, among other goods — into ready-to-reuse fabrics.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
  • People with autism may unintentionally use monotonous, robotic speech that sounds abnormal or disinterested to others.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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