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 In this sense, fashion functions in a very instinctive way on my figures. Essence, 17 June 2025 Auckland City’s centre-forward is a hard-working, instinctive goalscorer, but also a regional manager for a tool company. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 June 2025 Their instinctive decision-making has paid dividends. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 June 2025 How did that instinctive approach to making music actually play out in practice? Liam Hess, Vogue, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
Adjective
  • Instead, their relationship is built on a secure emotional foundation that makes these behaviors natural and automatic over time.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The legislation centers on making permanent many benefits from Trump's first term that would otherwise expire by year's end, potentially triggering automatic increases for millions of Americans.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
  • Crews will also replace the windows, fix the roof and replace all of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety, security and information technology systems.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some bass-heavy speakers can create an annoying booming sound from the reflex port at the rear of the speaker.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • The Bridgerton alum, fresh off his Richard II run, says Italy, cycling, spritzes, and spontaneous moments fuel his summer spirit.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • What might this robotic world of the future look like?
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The field has also become specialized, Hochberg says, with some groups focused on decoding speech while others work on improving control of robotic limbs.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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