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
-
For Legend, the Blind Auditions were a true test of grit.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Start by rinsing the beans under cool, running water to remove any dirt or grit.—
Riley Wofford,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 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
-
Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings issued an emotional plea on Instagram for their mom's return, citing her spunk, her loving personality and her vulnerability.—
Helen Rummel,
AZCentral.com,
4 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
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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
-
Trump is fond of Paxton’s pluck and Hunt’s ambition.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The most widespread Games in history created distinct pockets of Olympic spirit separated by hours on trains and miles of winding mountain roads.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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And in that spirit, three strong disagreements with these arguments.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 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
-
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
-
Using her magic broom, Kiki opens a flying courier service and begins to experience both the satisfaction and the difficulties of independence and self-reliance.—
Danny Horn,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
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Behind the scenes, the property is engineered for durability and a level of self-reliance.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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