as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
the birds' instinctual response is to fly away when startled
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctual
Adjective
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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 -
Regardless of income, one factor that has helped boost savers’ balances is automatic enrollment.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
29 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
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Products include mechanical, electrical, sensing and electronic components, spanning from motors and lighting assemblies to ultrasonic, camera, radar and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).—
Sabbir Rangwala,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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However, Branch’s instinctive and aggressive tendencies sometimes hurt.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
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Their intelligence varies by breed and falls into three types: instinctive, adaptive, and working/obedience.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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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
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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
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Talks with different countries are ongoing, but are subject to sudden changes in direction.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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Sharif was shaken by the drastic shift in his wife’s priorities, and her sudden dissatisfaction with their life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Instinctual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctual. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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