as in overambitiousness
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Recent Examples of killer instinct
But Cherry — a survivor with a dark past and killer instincts for getting ahead — is no pushover.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
That's down to gardener Harper Starling who protects her home with her killer instincts — literally.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
But the staging of the fight is awkward, and seems to be going out of its way to protect Wendy, who’s super strong and fast yet doesn’t have any training (nor the killer instincts of her opponent).
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2025
With a mop of long brown hair and a baby face belying a killer instinct that soon would be seen across the college football world, 18-year-old Kellen Moore would sit without saying a word in the Boise State quarterback meetings.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
That's down to gardener Harper Starling who protects her home with her killer instincts — literally.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
But the staging of the fight is awkward, and seems to be going out of its way to protect Wendy, who’s super strong and fast yet doesn’t have any training (nor the killer instincts of her opponent).
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2025
With a mop of long brown hair and a baby face belying a killer instinct that soon would be seen across the college football world, 18-year-old Kellen Moore would sit without saying a word in the Boise State quarterback meetings.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct
Noun
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Better Balanced Blood Sugar The fermentation process used to make sourdough produces organic acids, such as lactic and acetic acids, which help slow the absorption of starch in the digestive tract.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
6 Nov. 2025
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In the era before food stamps, that meant making decisions that now seem unconscionable: A 1954 survey of pregnant Black women in Louisiana found that 38 percent were eating laundry starch to satiate their hunger; 25 percent reported eating clay.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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From favorites like collard greens and sweet potato casserole to updates on classics like potato salad and grits, these side dishes are like scooping up a bite of nostalgia.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
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But Ben’s defiance, instincts and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Each design also has its own energy and spunk!—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
15 Dec. 2025
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Last time out, the 49ers eventually showed spunk pursuing the Cleveland Browns’ Shedeur Sanders, producing three sacks in a 26-8 win Nov. 30.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Wall Street observers admire Paramount Skydance’s new gumption, but also recognize some of its assets face strong, ongoing challenges.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Nov. 2025
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Here's a reason Don G is so perversely attractive to watch in this opera: The other important male characters suffer from low emotional intelligence or a lack of gumption.—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Democrats, it must be noted, who have to be convinced that Conway’s pluck is sufficient to send him back to Washington.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
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The promoter likes her pluck, and offers her a contract.—
Jocelyn Noveck,
Boston Herald,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Despite its name, the bar operates as a globally minded cocktail destination with equal attention paid to other spirits, along with small bites and an impressive cigar selection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
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What’s unique about Tasovská’s approach is that the entire film is composed of Jarcovjáková’s photographs, infusing her artistic spirit into every frame.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Increasing awareness of factors that impact water quality and a desire for better-tasting water, often tied to personal health initiatives, have interior designers, plumbing pros, and kitchen experts alike noting a growing demand for better water.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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Turning to orbit marks a deliberate break with that past, and this shift echoes Poland’s post-1989 trajectory from state control to private initiative.—
Alexander Görlach,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This feature turns a power station into a self-reliance tool, especially valuable for families traveling with kids, older drivers or anyone venturing beyond city limits.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
5 Jan. 2026
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Chinese chipmakers have rushed to the IPO market, raising funds that are key to the nation’s goal of technological self-reliance and winning the global race on artificial intelligence.—
Bloomberg,
Fortune,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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