as in overambitiousness
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Recent Examples of killer instinct
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
The deal turns into a hold-up in the casino parking lot, to which Vince reacts with the scrappy killer instincts of an animal forced to claw and gnash his way up from the bottom of the pile.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
But Cherry — a survivor with a dark past and killer instincts for getting ahead — is no pushover.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
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
The deal turns into a hold-up in the casino parking lot, to which Vince reacts with the scrappy killer instincts of an animal forced to claw and gnash his way up from the bottom of the pile.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
But Cherry — a survivor with a dark past and killer instincts for getting ahead — is no pushover.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct
Noun
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Some models may also feature a steam clean setting that can be activated after every use to prevent a starch buildup.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Drain in a colander and rinse with cool water to wash away the starch; drain and shake colander to remove water and put in a large bowl.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The grit is hidden behind the gowns.—
Alice Newbold,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Postseason football is defined by grit and narrow margins.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Each design also has its own energy and spunk!—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
15 Dec. 2025
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Last time out, the 49ers eventually showed spunk pursuing the Cleveland Browns’ Shedeur Sanders, producing three sacks in a 26-8 win Nov. 30.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Wall Street observers admire Paramount Skydance’s new gumption, but also recognize some of its assets face strong, ongoing challenges.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Nov. 2025
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Here's a reason Don G is so perversely attractive to watch in this opera: The other important male characters suffer from low emotional intelligence or a lack of gumption.—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Democrats, it must be noted, who have to be convinced that Conway’s pluck is sufficient to send him back to Washington.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
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The promoter likes her pluck, and offers her a contract.—
Jocelyn Noveck,
Boston Herald,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Despite its name, the bar operates as a globally minded cocktail destination with equal attention paid to other spirits, along with small bites and an impressive cigar selection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
-
What’s unique about Tasovská’s approach is that the entire film is composed of Jarcovjáková’s photographs, infusing her artistic spirit into every frame.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Not many of these goals have been achieved; Petro’s Presidential initiatives have been largely symbolic.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
15 Jan. 2026
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Now that a hotel tax hike San Diego voters approved in 2020 is on firm legal ground, the city is preparing to start spending millions of dollars on some key civic initiatives this fiscal year — fixing up its aging convention center and addressing homelessness.—
Lori Weisberg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This feature turns a power station into a self-reliance tool, especially valuable for families traveling with kids, older drivers or anyone venturing beyond city limits.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
5 Jan. 2026
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Chinese chipmakers have rushed to the IPO market, raising funds that are key to the nation’s goal of technological self-reliance and winning the global race on artificial intelligence.—
Bloomberg,
Fortune,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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