MECHANICAL Synonyms: 171 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'mechanical' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mechanical are automatic , impulsive , instinctive , and spontaneous . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

Q: When might 'automatic' be a better fit than 'mechanical'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mechanical , automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

Q: When would 'impulsive' be a good substitute for 'mechanical'?

While the synonyms impulsive and mechanical are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment. // impulsive acts of violence

Q: When can 'instinctive' be used instead of 'mechanical'?

The synonyms instinctive and mechanical are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will. // blinking is an instinctive reaction

Q: When is 'spontaneous' a more appropriate choice than 'mechanical'?

Although the words spontaneous and mechanical have much in common, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

mechanical

adjective

mi-ˈka-ni-kəl

Definition of mechanical next

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision the waiter's mechanical reply of "Everything on the menu is good"

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as in unnatural

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality a somewhat mechanical vocal performance

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How is the word mechanical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mechanical are automatic, impulsive, instinctive, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When might automatic be a better fit than mechanical?

While in some cases nearly identical to mechanical, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When would impulsive be a good substitute for mechanical?

While the synonyms impulsive and mechanical are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When can instinctive be used instead of mechanical?

The synonyms instinctive and mechanical are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When is spontaneous a more appropriate choice than mechanical?

Although the words spontaneous and mechanical have much in common, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

Examples of mechanical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As the writer Nicola Twilley outlines in Frostbite, her recent history of refrigeration, mechanical cooling requires tremendous amounts of power for warehouses—refrigeration accounts for about 8 percent of global electricity usage—as well as diesel for trucks. —

Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024 According to officials, the elevator inside the mine experienced a mechanical failure at about 500 feet around noon Thursday. —

Louis Casiano, Fox News, 11 Oct. 2024 But don’t ever assume that this avant-garde design spirit has led to any downplaying, or short-cutting, of the mechanical prowess of these incredible watches. —

Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2024 Like mechanical recycling, it’s been unsuccessful for decades. —

Judith Enck, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mechanical

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mechanical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanical. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

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Last Updated: 16 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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