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

Bo Bichette singled off Matt Festa to score automatic runner Francisco Lindor in the 10th inning, helping the New York Mets to a wild 6-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Bo Bichette drove in Francisco Lindor, the automatic runner, with a single off right-hander Matt Festa in the top of the 10th.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of automatic

Adjective

To scale up capacity, operators simply add more cells to the stack, and no need to redesign heavy mechanical housings.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
Last month, a Brazilian air force probe confirmed that a combination of severe icing conditions, as well as mechanical system failures and pilot distractions, contributed to the country’s most deadly air crash since 2007.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

This case is small enough for spontaneous games by the lake, in an airport lounge, or after a long lunch that stretches into sunset cocktails—even the simplest games deserve first-class treatment.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
Doctors diagnosed the man with a spontaneous epidural hematoma, which is a blood clot that forms in the head or spine without any preceding trauma.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of spontaneous

Adjective

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
The inside linebacker is smart, physical, instinctive, can cover and has a knack for creating turnovers.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of instinctive

Adjective

Securing a flagship robotic vacuum with pressurized stain pre-treatment, active self-washing roller mopping, and a bagless cyclonic dock for under $900 is an exceptional value.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
Both the United States and China plan to send robotic explorers to the south pole later this year, paving the way for human explorers to follow close behind.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of robotic

Adjective

In the path of totality, a low, milky sky may hide the corona, but that also makes the darkness feel heavier and more sudden.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The former employee said that there are informal support groups among alumni, more for navigating a flood of financial advisors and figuring out what to do with sudden wealth than for organizing trades.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

Nine days after the homicide, police arrested Jesus Benavides, a co-defendant in the mechanic shop homicide.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
In an Atlantic essay, Wight recalled finding a mechanic reading Thucydides on the grimy floor of his shop, a bare bulb illuminating his page.

— Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Definition of mechanic

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“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of knee-jerk

adjective

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