as in overambitiousness
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Recent Examples of killer instinct
Savinho, who Guardiola said on Wednesday could miss up to two months with injury, and Oscar Bobb do not quite have the killer instinct in the final third yet, either.
—
Sam Lee, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Sam Lee, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct
Noun
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While both foods contain resistant starch (RS), a type of carbohydrate that behaves like fiber, potatoes contain two types of RS (RS-2 and retrograded starch).—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
9 June 2026
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The researchers found that populations with historically high-starch diets carry significantly more copies of AMY1 than those whose traditional diets were low in starch.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
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Renegade is a closer, and Pletcher has been open about how much grit his horse showed in the Derby, righting himself to run a game second after suffering a few bumps in the early traffic.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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Saucy shrimp with the just-right amount of Cajun spice served over creamy cheese grits are truly a match made in heaven.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 June 2026
Noun
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Hsu’s voice performance also gives Kristen spunk in these scenes, while Sharpe brings an unexpected vulnerability to AJ.—
Marya E. Gates,
IndieWire,
13 May 2026
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She was known among her neighbors for her generosity and spunk — and among her relatives for stubborn refusal to leave Bellevue Square, her home of 54 years, The Courant reported in 1997.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Invest in Kids program was allowed to sunset at the end of 2023 because our legislators did not even have the gumption to bring the issue to the floor.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
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Imagine having watched film of your team in 2017 and 2018, then experiencing the gumption of the 2022 champions, then seeing the 2024 squad get bounced in the Play-In by the Sacramento Kings.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Noun
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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
-
When those practitioners are taken away from patients, our pluck and determination waver.—
Mindy Uhrlaub,
STAT,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Blending Old World charm with modern hospitality, Pella offers an inviting escape steeped in culture, history and warm community spirit.—
Staff,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
Originally from Long Island, New York, and shaped by 20 years in southern Arizona, her work examines the intersection of wild landscapes, small-town culture, and the spirit of adventure.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
Noun
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This story is part of USA 250 Most Treasured Views, a USA TODAY Network project exploring places across America with historical and cultural significance, created in celebration of the USA 250 initiative marking the nation’s 250th birthday.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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Over the years, the union has submitted dozens of local and statewide ballot initiatives, including ones to cap the pay of hospital executives, regulate dialysis clinics, and raise the minimum wage of healthcare workers.—
Kff Health News,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Noun
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However, kids need to be challenged in order to develop the skills, tenacity, grit, and self-reliance needed to (eventually) function in the world on their own.—
Alanna Gallo,
Parents,
2 June 2026
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Being sent to boarding school at a young age introduced her to a level of self-reliance that would later influence her decision-making.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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