as in overambitiousness
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 killer instinct
But not everyone has that same killer instinct.
—
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025
One quality that distinguishes the very best chess players is killer instinct, an almost animalistic will to win.
—Jordan Himelfarb, Time, 15 Dec. 2025
Some in the organization have voiced the opinion that the Padres need to have more of a collective killer instinct and that getting more consistency out of some star players could help achieve that.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest ever to pick up a basketball, given his illustrious resume, but another major facet that has added to the lore surrounding him is his killer instinct and competitive nature.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025
One quality that distinguishes the very best chess players is killer instinct, an almost animalistic will to win.
—Jordan Himelfarb, Time, 15 Dec. 2025
Some in the organization have voiced the opinion that the Padres need to have more of a collective killer instinct and that getting more consistency out of some star players could help achieve that.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest ever to pick up a basketball, given his illustrious resume, but another major facet that has added to the lore surrounding him is his killer instinct and competitive nature.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct
Noun
-
Transfer the matchsticks to a medium bowl, cover with water and set aside to remove some starch, about 5 minutes.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Stirring frequently—but not nonstop—helps release starch and create creaminess without overworking the rice.—
Carla Lalli Music,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
By channeling talent and grit, Bhatia proved a deserving winner the galleries at Bay Hill could get behind.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Conning off the bench, Harvey showed determination and grit with his hustle plays.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
An essay that lacks the rough edges, occasional clunky vocabulary, or endearing spunk of imperfect teenage writing can quickly indicate over-coaching (or, perhaps worse, the use of AI).—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Zero in on a slip dress that Bessette Kennedy (played with ravishing spunk by Sarah Pidgeon) wears on her first date with America’s Prince and premiere himbo people-pleaser, John F. Kennedy, Jr.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And thanks to the gumption of the SLF, the fair is set to proceed as planned despite Amazon’s departure.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Helping maintain that tone of eternal optimism tinged with gumption is Steve Kerr, who gleefully added another gutsy win over Houston to a resume packed with them.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The opening guitar plucks received loads of low-mid resonance and crisp string textures, and when the track fully kicked in, each element in the busy mix got plenty of attention and detail.—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Often described as America’s most famous female tiger trainer, the Tiger Queen was renowned for her pluck and charisma.—
Alessandro Meregaglia,
The Conversation,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This all-day, rain-or-shine celebration will be overflowing with live entertainment, festive food, family fun and plenty of Irish spirit, including special offerings from Guinness and Jameson, who will be onsite with festive surprises.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Older and younger kids can play together, fostering a spirit of collaboration.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The three-week experiment marks a turning point for the 10-year-old brand, which has built a loyal following through accessible prices and high-touch customer initiatives, including client trunk shows.—
Maliha Shoaib,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2026
-
In a further escalation of tensions with Kyiv, Hungary's parliament on Tuesday passed a resolution giving the government the green light to oppose Ukraine's path to joining the European Union and reject any initiatives to supply Ukraine with weapons or funding.—
JUSTIN SPIKE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The latest signals from Beijing’s political gathering have reinforced the view that tech self-reliance and industrial upgrading will anchor economic growth in the years to come.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Such moves are designed to encourage greater self-reliance among China’s automakers, Loh said.—
Matthew Chin,Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
