KILLER INSTINCT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

killer instinct

noun

Definition of killer instinct

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 The entrepreneur and lifestyle icon has built a career out of creating and celebrating beautiful things, but a killer instinct for business is why her career has far outpaced the men’s around her. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for killer instinct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct

Noun

Key Takeaways Some savory foods made with refined starches can raise your blood sugar just as quickly, or even faster, than sweet foods.

— Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 19 Aug. 2026
And while wild barley proved to be better for converting starches into fermentable sugars, some brewers continued to make wheat beers, often using primarily barley and a smaller percentage of wheat.

— Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of starch

Noun

Carlos Baleba offers United a different profile to Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, a combination of energy, defensive grit, and ball-carrying that should suit Carrick’s midfield well.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
The work included repairs to the Gibson Ranch Lift Station and paving, lighting, piping and other infrastructure improvements associated with the treatment plant’s grit filtration system.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of grit

Noun

The friends haven’t seen each other in some time, though Frankie spends many an evening parked outside the hospice in his car, summoning the gumption to visit.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Slight, lightning quick and with mesmerizing ballhanding, Iverson attacked defenses on the perimeter and in the paint with equal parts of fearlessness and relentlessness, guile and gumption.

— Rob Peterson, New York Times, 26 July 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 mini bar—located inside a gorgeous wooden cabinet—was filled with local spirits like pox, a Mayan liquor made of corn, sugar cane, and wheat, and Mayalen Guerrero mezcal in a bottle so beautiful I was tempted to sneak it back in my suitcase.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Drinkwitz has said Hardy is in good spirits throughout his recovery, even having his son accompany him to rehab.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirit

Noun

Fuller's comments came the same day federal officials announced a new initiative aimed at combating educator misconduct in North Texas.

— Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Eco effort Little Palm has a few eco-minded initiatives happening, including reef restoration and seagrass protection programs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of initiative

Noun

On the other hand, this forced self-reliance has actually made WP Engine a safer, more stable environment for enterprise clients.

— Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
The long experience of the United States in self-reliance has been followed by global entanglements which, while often brilliantly managed, have brought enormous disappointment and frustration.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-reliance

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“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of killer instinct

noun

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