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 While Rosie may have had her own unique reason, most canines dig for some very practical—or instinctive—purposes. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 Each motion of his swing, once dissected, felt mechanical rather than instinctive. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025 When role demands match instinctive strengths, work feels like swimming with the current instead of against it. Carrie Moore, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Our senses are confined to this more instinctive view of reality. Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
Adjective
  • The criminal complaint, though, does not mention a semi-automatic weapon or that Martinez was armed.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Turn on automatic updates so you're always protected without having to think about it.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Unlike mechanical models, electronic door handles rely on sensors and electricity and may fail during a fire or power outage.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In each case, there's a recognition that some players might want to explore a game's world—to experience the characters, art, and dialogue that the developers worked so hard to craft—without struggling through mechanical reflex tests or grindy, repetitive challenges.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2025
  • This realistic doctor’s coat has everything your aspiring doctor needs to give their patients a check-up, including a face mask, a stethoscope with sound effects (AAA batteries not included), thermometer, syringe, reflex hammer, and reusable name tag.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, unlike beer or cheese, where microbes are intentionally introduced and controlled, fermentation in cocoa beans is a spontaneous process and largely uncontrolled.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025
  • And the Eagles are catching spontaneous migraines on third downs, ranking just 27th in converting them and 26th in defending them.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Cubs are athletic, instinctual and experienced, qualities that are magnified underneath the playoff spotlight.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Jackson threw it away on fourth down, almost like an instinctual reaction of panic.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The company has announced plans to expand its lineup, aiming to introduce several additional robotic platforms by the end of the year.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
  • For now, there’s broad agreement that AI is nowhere near taking away the jobs of technicians, at least not until robotic technology significantly advances.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Crowson said the suspect then drove to an area about two and a half miles north of the mechanic shop, where police received a report of another shooting.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
  • An hour later, a mechanic shop in Houston called 911 to report that a man had shot and killed a male employee.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on instinctive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!