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 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 Arsenal are missing some instinctive understanding between their attackers, who are still getting used to the intricacies of one another’s styles. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 1 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
  • How teams stack up in the race for automatic bids, first-round byes and staying on the right side of the bubble.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Small and simple, the Magnifica is an automatic machine that can brew seven drinks, including espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and iced coffee.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The reflex trade was a textbook Fed-easing play to rotate out of big, expensive growth stocks and into lower-quality, more cyclical small-caps and financials .
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Weekday dinners, spontaneous hikes and running downhill with their dogs are all part of the routine.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Our results suggest that children are actually capable of spontaneous logical strategy discovery much earlier when circumstances require it.
    Celeste Kidd, The Conversation, 3 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 first mimics its real-life namesake by having a strong, flexible robotic arm.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
  • But the country is now building toward a robotic lunar lander to be launched by a homegrown rocket, with a grander vision of establishing a moon base by 2045 as part of a long-term exploration road map released by KASA in August.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Cynthia Quiles, who plays mechanic Frankie, is not known to have any romantic ties and hasn't spoken publicly about her personal life.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Kreider is refreshed to be teaching young folks who are engaged in mechanic work.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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