as in overambitiousness
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Recent Examples of killer instinct
Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli’s appearance on this list is a reflection of the desire for fresh dynamism and more killer instinct down the left-hand side of the attack.
—
Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Kate has always been considered to have a killer instinct and able to make these tough moral choices, and not always in the most benevolent way.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025
There’s really only one way to prove a killer instinct.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2025
Norris is a one-lap specialist who struggles with starts and lacks the killer instinct to challenge Verstappen.
—Rob Reed, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Kate has always been considered to have a killer instinct and able to make these tough moral choices, and not always in the most benevolent way.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025
There’s really only one way to prove a killer instinct.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2025
Norris is a one-lap specialist who struggles with starts and lacks the killer instinct to challenge Verstappen.
—Rob Reed, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct
Noun
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Combinations with multiple ingredients may also include potato starch, tapioca starch, xanthan gum or other gums and starches to provide texture.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 June 2025
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The manufacturing process involves cooking the starches, then adding acids or enzymes, such as heat-stable bacterial alpha-amylase, to break it down further.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 June 2025
Noun
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The Lakers, however, showed grit despite losing Chamberlain to a knee injury, and got within 103-102 with a little more than three minutes remaining.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
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But Walters shattered those barriers through her grit and wits.—
Stephen Battaglio,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
Noun
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His band, which included former San Diego guitarist Jose Rios, played with spunk and well-calibrated precision whether delivering uptempo funk and hip-hop numbers, tender R&B love songs or slinky reggae grooves.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2025
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Owing to her Western spunk, talent for deduction, ability to identify a tobacco scent Holmes cannot and the detective’s need for a sidekick, she’s made his assistant.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The critics may be talking tough now, but Thune is betting that some of them won’t have the gumption to block the bill on the Senate floor and risk having Trump’s anger rain down on them through social media.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
26 June 2025
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The move made logical sense but still required some gumption.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
Noun
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The opening acoustic guitar plucks get strong low-mid resonance to sound nice and big, while the higher frequencies receive enough attention to convey string texture.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
16 June 2025
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But Belvidere is roaring back because of its own pluck.—
Laurent Belsie,
Christian Science Monitor,
19 May 2025
Noun
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Although modern historians still debate the exact details of his role, Craig’s life story captures the entrepreneurial spirit, religious fervor, and frontier innovation that shaped early America and led to the creation of one of the world’s finest spirits.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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The supernatural thriller sees a woman return from death as a vindictive spirit to torment her adulterous husband.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
26 June 2025
Noun
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For 16 years, with a brief respite during President Trump’s first term, the military drifted into a laboratory for progressive priorities -- diversity quotas, climate initiatives, and gender policies that sapped readiness and lethality.—
Matt Schoenfeldt,
National Review,
21 June 2025
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To address past lifeguard shortages and build a stronger pipeline, the Chicago Park District launched several recruitment initiatives in late 2023, including the Lifeguard Explorers Training Program targeting teens and young adults on the South and West sides, with stipends and free certification.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Field researchers thrive on a specific set of skills and attributes: resilience, self-reliance, creative problem-solving, and the ability to focus on the moment to decide what needs to be done.—
Sarah Boon
June 25,
Literary Hub,
25 June 2025
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Kouame emphasizes self-reliance, insisting that, backed by government investment in cultural endeavors, African companies can stand on their own feet, ensuring sustainable long-term growth.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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