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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knee-jerk
That’s why so many phishing attacks aim to leverage the urgency and knee-jerk reaction that come when a seemingly worrying scenario confronts a victim.
—
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Picking the Thunder to lose back-to-back games would probably be a knee-jerk overreaction to one off night.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
In recent days, a small chorus of Democrats has been litigating the wisdom of Biden running for a second term, calling the knee-jerk defense of his political viability a mistake that broke the trust of voters.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 24 May 2025
The knee-jerk reaction to doubt and blame victims must end.
—Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Picking the Thunder to lose back-to-back games would probably be a knee-jerk overreaction to one off night.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
In recent days, a small chorus of Democrats has been litigating the wisdom of Biden running for a second term, calling the knee-jerk defense of his political viability a mistake that broke the trust of voters.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 24 May 2025
The knee-jerk reaction to doubt and blame victims must end.
—Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk
Adjective
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Almost a month later, on June 1, the spacecraft was less than four minutes away from liftoff when the ground launch sequencer — the computer that launches the rocket — triggered an automatic hold.—
Jillian Frankel,
People.com,
6 June 2025
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These teams include 29 conference champions who receive automatic berths and 35 at-large teams selected by the NCAA DI Baseball Committee.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
16 May 2025
-
The Loewe Grand inicio is a powerful two-way speaker with a bass reflex system and is available as a floor-standing speaker.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Most mechanical keyboards use a flat ribbon cable to connect the PCB to the bottom case.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Yet for shows like the one in Houston, Erivo is aiming for something looser, more spontaneous, slightly lower-key.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
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For travelers looking for nearby, spontaneous adventures, Airbnb’s summer report also shares the top trending domestic destinations among US guests this summer, with unique stays ranging from cozy cabins to beach house retreats.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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As part of that instinctive approach, Webster has historically recorded songs soon after writing them.—
Kristin Robinson,
Billboard,
5 June 2025
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Yet, even if his finishing is instinctive, there is planning behind Mateta’s approach.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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From Fingerlings to Founding A Healthcare Brand Fingerlings, released in 2017 by toy manufacturer WowWee, are small robotic figures, originally styled to resemble monkeys tiny enough to wrap their arms around a finger.—
Joan Verdon,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Rather than relying on harnesses or wearables, which many seniors find cumbersome or stigmatizing, E-BAR operates as a set of robotic handlebars that follow users from behind.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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Keep a safe distance: Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
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Written in Latin, the coroners' rolls are records of sudden or suspicious deaths as investigated by a jury of local men, called together by the coroner to establish facts and reach a verdict.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Home in foreclosure, a mobile mechanic Online records show that his Canby Street home was in foreclosure last year and sold in September for $60,000.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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