KNEE-JERK Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

knee-jerk

adjective

ˈnē-ˌjərk

Definition of knee-jerk

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision a colleague known for her knee-jerk rejection of any proposal that she didn't originate

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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 knee-jerk No matter the issue or how beneficial to the state or country, the knee-jerk reaction of the Sun Sentinel is to reject it out of hand. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026 People’s knee-jerk reaction to seeing death in nature is often not positive. — John Kominoski, The Conversation, 10 June 2026 In a world of knee-jerk reactions and instant draft-day grades, the window to evaluate the 2023 class is starting to open. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 10 June 2026 That was my knee-jerk thought at the end of Hacks, as the camera pulled away from Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder walking down the Vegas strip in the final seconds of the series finale. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk

Adjective

Without congressional action, that would mean an automatic reduction in benefits.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
It's got plenty of helpful features, such as automatic two-sided printing as well as copy and scan capabilities.

— George Yang, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of automatic

Adjective

Changing configuration with no external wiring The development depends on a quirk of physics called mechanical bifurcation, which is a sudden shift in structural behavior past a physical tipping point.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
The study describes the recovered cotton and spandex as structurally intact, but that does not by itself establish whether the fibers retain the mechanical performance necessary for textile-to-textile reuse.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

Because of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization in its crystal structure, GaN heterostructures can naturally induce extremely thin sheets of mobile electrons and holes.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
With a vehicle this size, 180 hp isn't exactly a recipe for spontaneous joy.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of spontaneous

Adjective

But there is a place at the next level for an instinctive playmaker like him.

— Dane Brugler, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Partial drafts of his work were carried along with him, soaked in Salinger’s sweat and imbued with his raw, instinctive reactions to conflict.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of instinctive

Adjective

Rather than designing an entirely new robotic counter-drone vehicle, the companies combined an existing robotic platform with an existing sensing and electronic warfare capability.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
The monsters of the original — the Cyclops and the sirens — are replaced by drones that buzz across the stage and models of robotic war machines.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of robotic

Adjective

Officials are still investigating the exact cause, though preliminary assessments suggest an ice avalanche may have blocked a river upstream in Tibet, triggering the sudden outburst flood.

— Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
The concierge can be contacted via WhatsApp, but response times can be slow during varying rush hours; for example, a sudden tropical rainstorm might inspire half the resort to call in for room service.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Many drivers don't want to deal with mechanic shop visits, diagnosing vehicle issues, and consistent part failure and replacement.

— Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of mechanic

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knee-jerk

knees

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“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of knee-jerk

adjective

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