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 My knee-jerk is to recoil from anything that brings AI close to Baldwin’s work. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026 Even then, a dubious penalty and lax marking at a throw were the difference and subs may have felt like a knee-jerk reaction. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Business leaders should avoid knee-jerk responses to threatened boycotts or allow chatter on social media to dictate their actions. — Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Working through the show dramaturgically with Timbers was not unlike that moment in therapy when the patient is forced to confront something uncomfortable, forcing her to resist the knee-jerk reflex to make a joke and soften the intensity. — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk

Adjective

Inside is Blancpain’s automatic caliber 615, introduced in 1995 and refined over the following three decades.

— Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026
Items like window coverings, outdoor lighting, storage sheds and automatic garage door openers all add economic value.

— Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of automatic

Adjective

Strength training involves using weights, machines, resistance bands, or even your own body weight to provide the mechanical stimulus muscles need to maintain or build strength.

— Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026
The Michigan investigation will now determine whether a mechanical failure, environmental factor, bird strike, or another issue caused the fighter to lose control.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

As an editor on the shopping desk, New York Fashion Week means a back-to-back schedule of runway shows, showroom previews, and meetings–with iced matcha breaks and spontaneous dinners throughout.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026
Her love of travel has been a lifelong passion but was undeniably sparked by a spontaneous solo trip to London her junior year of college.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of spontaneous

Adjective

The instinctive response to new security risks is often to add another security tool.

— Shane Buckley, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Some bicyclists and most motorcyclists understand that, when faced with an emergency situation while riding on two wheels, often the instinctive reaction is not the correct one.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of instinctive

Adjective

If not for the sudden availability of long-distance ocean transport (not to mention constant engineering challenges and the escalating cost of the plan), D-Day may have required far more woollen socks.

— Mike McRae September 16, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
Set on the eve of the Korean war, this ruminative story follows a midwestern family that’s fractured by a mother’s sudden disappearance.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

Parched fields force hydroponic growers, vegetable farmers and fruit producers to halt harvests, sell off underfed livestock at rock-bottom prices and even return to mechanic jobs to survive.

— Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of mechanic

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kneeing

knee-jerk

knees

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“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of knee-jerk

adjective

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