as in overambitiousness
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Recent Examples of killer instinct
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
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest ever to pick up a basketball, given his illustrious resume, but another major facet that has added to the lore surrounding him is his killer instinct and competitive nature.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
Although Ghostface’s body count has gone through the roof over the years, one of the Scream franchise’s first victims had to help bring out his killer instinct.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
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
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest ever to pick up a basketball, given his illustrious resume, but another major facet that has added to the lore surrounding him is his killer instinct and competitive nature.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
Although Ghostface’s body count has gone through the roof over the years, one of the Scream franchise’s first victims had to help bring out his killer instinct.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct
Noun
-
The small intestine can’t digest fiber in the same way as other kinds of carbohydrates, so unlike sugar or starch, for instance, fiber is not a great source of fuel for the body.—
Carolyn L. Todd,
SELF,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Both are formulated with ultra-fine rice starches that dissipate without a trace and absorb product buildup for that just-washed, clean look.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After Saturday’s glam — quarterbacks threw passes to smooth-moving receivers while running backs dodged tackling dummies — Sunday offers a dose of grit.—
Daniel Flick,
AJC.com,
1 Mar. 2026
-
But to my surprise, the grits have been really well received.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But by the time of his individual short program Tuesday night, Malinin's fearless swagger and unrivaled spunk was back.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 Feb. 2026
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But by the time of his individual short program Tuesday night, Malinin’s fearless swagger and unrivaled spunk seemed to be back.—
Dave Skretta,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The result is music that shows a surprising amount of gumption, if not much else.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
23 Jan. 2026
-
And though preseason predictions pegged Marty Supreme as Gwyneth Paltrow’s big Oscar comeback, Odessa A’zion’s performance as a girlfriend with gumption has usurped the Goopster’s buzz.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Throughout this new record, however, Dorji cuts out the initial pluck of the string with a volume pedal, easing in the notes as if driving with fragile cargo.—
James Gui,
Pitchfork,
5 Feb. 2026
-
In the car world, Ratcliffe’s pluck has earned him some admiration, though sales have not necessarily followed, even if the Grenadier stacks up well in terms of price and power.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Reiner made a film that was poignant and inspiring, and Shaiman's music captures not only the spirit of the film, but of the dear friend who made it.—
Tracy Smith,
CBS News,
1 Mar. 2026
-
With his bright smile, playful spirit, and creative mind, Jeycen continues to discover and explore the world in his own unique way.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
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The two spoke at the meeting to support Castro’s initiative and say their curriculum is a certified in-person training.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The practice is designed to teach children responsibility, confidence, and self-reliance.—
Katrina Donham,
Parents,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Others describe chances for self-reliance or self-reflection.—
Rainesford Stauffer,
Time,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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