KILLER INSTINCT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

killer instinct

noun

Definition of killer instinct

as in overambitiousness

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Example Sentences

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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

Noun

These foods often contain refined starches, which can spike blood sugar, leading to crashes that make kids crave more high-carb snacks.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
Many brands also use binders, starches and other additives to help create uniform slices.

— Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of starch

Noun

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
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

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

Cooking classes, yoga lessons, meditation experiences, and live entertainment are also vacation activities that enhance the body and the spirit.

— Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
The rooms All are subtly and swankily music-themed in the spirit of the hotel’s strong music history (Carnegie Hall is nearly next door) and art works focusing on instruments placed throughout the property were curated by The Met.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirit

Noun

This initiative aims to elevate horse racing's appeal to everyday sports fans by fostering rivalries and familiarity among top horses.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Maryland moved more slowly — and with an approach that will not change districts for this year's elections — because Democratic state Senate President Bill Ferguson blocked an earlier initiative aimed at putting new maps in place for this year.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of initiative

Noun

These positive economic conditions make this visit even more timely, given the nation’s need for capital to continue its own self-reliance and economic growth.

— Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Yet a rupture with the United States, doomed to a long night of Trumpism, seems unlikely, to say nothing of a future of European self-reliance.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of killer instinct

noun

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