killer instinct

noun

Definition of killer instinctnext
as in overambitiousness

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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 During the third, his killer instinct shifted focus. — Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026 Piastri, 24, showed glimpses of that killer instinct in 2025, finishing third and cementing himself as one of the sport’s best drivers in his third full season. — Roman Stubbs, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026 UConn is 22-1, has won 18 in a row, is 7-0 in true road games, ranked third in the nation, and the coach is no longer lamenting a lack of killer instinct, but showing the lack of respect card. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026 But not everyone has that same killer instinct. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct
  1. starch
  2. grit
  3. spunk
  4. gumption
  5. pluck
  6. spirit
  7. initiative
  8. self-reliance
Noun
  • Resistant starch has acted similarly to prebiotics and improved gut health.
    — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026
  • Some classic slurries are made with cornstarch, arrowroot, or potato starch, plus water or stock.
    — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 July 2026
Definition of starch
Noun
  • That team is something that will always be special — a special group of guys who had the grit and truly knew how to grind it out no matter what the circumstances were.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Authenticity in business, much like a pearl forming from grit, transforms challenges into valuable outcomes.
    — ByKaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • But Alcock is no John Wayne or Jeff Bridges, and Ridley lacks the spunk of Kim Darby and Hailee Steinfeld.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 24 June 2026
  • These small, high-energy pups have plenty of spunk and a big heart.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 11 June 2026
Definition of spunk
Noun
  • Star City earns its FAM bonafides by remembering that gigantic expressions of yearning and gumption are what this franchise does best.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
  • Starting with $250 and a lot of gumption, Kathy Bonnet created a Nashville tradition.
    — Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
Definition of gumption
Noun
  • The opening acoustic guitar plucks were full in the lower frequencies while showing enough treble finesse to convey fine string texture.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026
  • With every pluck, the strings seem to vibrate in the air in front of you, blurring like bees’ wings.
    — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026
Definition of pluck
Noun
  • The finished bottle is aimed at drinkers looking for a wine-style alternative rather than a mocktail or spirit substitute.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 22, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • And for a distinct touch of local character, step into Appalachian Root Works, a boutique and wellness space with an eclectic indie spirit.
    — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026
Definition of spirit
Noun
  • Saturday introduces Generation 816, a youth initiative that pairs a talent showcase with community resources, before concluding with an evening collaboration at Vine Street Brewing Co.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • Day to day, as the city grows, there’s also the question of traffic, which snarls the city as public transit initiatives have repeatedly struggled.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of initiative
Noun
  • With a focus on sustainability and self-reliance similar to that of SECMOL, the institute is a higher-education center that awards fellowships for work on climate-friendly innovations that benefit communities in Ladakh and other mountainous regions.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
  • But her perspective is internet-era cosmopolitan; young but preternaturally wise about self-reliance.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of self-reliance

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Cite this Entry

“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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