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 Strong, powerful, killer instinct mentality wise. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026 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 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
  • The pork belly is made up of bread and soy protein and to resemble the meat’s fat, a combination of potato and tapioca starches.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Less-ripe bananas contain more resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that resists breakdown, helping to slow digestion and potentially improve glucose handling.
    — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of starch
Noun
  • Success is something that comes with grit, perseverance, and not listening to negativity, according to Eric Austin, founder of Eric Austin Custom.
    — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Melton called the report a testament of the grit, resilience and unity of the city.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 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
  • 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
  • Brits had won World War II, with pluck and skill, but were losing their empire.
    — Scott Simon, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Turn the volume up and that pinhole dilates, revealing swirling galaxies of vocal harmonies, upright bass plucks, and cascading piano runs.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of pluck
Noun
  • Vallow Daybell holds doomsday religious beliefs and has claimed that people in her life were possessed by evil spirits.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Mariah Carey is getting into the Christmas spirit with Gucci.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of spirit
Noun
  • The organization with about 110 full- and part-time employees has helped 25,548 people across Charlotte-Mecklenburg through its survivor resources and community engagement initiatives, according to Safe Alliance’s latest annual report.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The company recently announced three initiatives involving intelligent networking, AI energy challenges, quantum connectivity, and emerging security threats.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of initiative
Noun
  • Additionally, much of China’s industrial policy aims to build self-reliance, which, by definition, focuses on duplicative investments that buttress domestic industrial prowess without necessarily adding efficiency.
    — Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The festival emphasizes communal effort, self-reliance and self-expression, according to the organization.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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