as in overambitiousness
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Recent Examples of killer instinct
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
Although Ghostface’s body count has gone through the roof over the years, one of the Scream franchise’s first victims had to help bring out his killer instinct.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
The deal turns into a hold-up in the casino parking lot, to which Vince reacts with the scrappy killer instincts of an animal forced to claw and gnash his way up from the bottom of the pile.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
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
Although Ghostface’s body count has gone through the roof over the years, one of the Scream franchise’s first victims had to help bring out his killer instinct.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
The deal turns into a hold-up in the casino parking lot, to which Vince reacts with the scrappy killer instincts of an animal forced to claw and gnash his way up from the bottom of the pile.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct
Noun
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Short-Grain White Rice Short-grain white rice, like sushi rice, releases more starch than long-grain varieties, creating plump, sticky grains that cling together.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
27 Jan. 2026
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The enzymes help break down proteins and starches in set-in stains.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The grit is hidden behind the gowns.—
Alice Newbold,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
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Postseason football is defined by grit and narrow margins.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Animal-print chairs maintain a bit of spunk in the now bright, airy rooms, as do ornate dark wood bedside tables.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
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Spinach salad gets spunk from feta and roasted peppers.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
29 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The result is music that shows a surprising amount of gumption, if not much else.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
23 Jan. 2026
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And though preseason predictions pegged Marty Supreme as Gwyneth Paltrow’s big Oscar comeback, Odessa A’zion’s performance as a girlfriend with gumption has usurped the Goopster’s buzz.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In the car world, Ratcliffe’s pluck has earned him some admiration, though sales have not necessarily followed, even if the Grenadier stacks up well in terms of price and power.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
29 Jan. 2026
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Trump is fond of Paxton’s pluck and Hunt’s ambition.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
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
-
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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Leadership teams are looking for the next initiative, and yet employees may be overwhelmed by a plethora of health tools, programs and perks.—
Serenity Gibbons,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Justin White, vice president of student affairs and strategic initiatives, told the college's board of trustees this month the college is enrolling a record number of high school students in concurrent credit courses.—
Edward McKinnon,
Arkansas Online,
28 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 2 Feb. 2026.
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