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Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

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 mechanical What riders don’t see is a massive mechanical arm creeping up behind them like the hand of God and hurling them up the ramp and into a high-speed ride whipping around a classic water slide tube. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2025 New talent: We were introduced to Lederer this year and were totally in awe of his amazing mechanical wonders. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025 In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers due to mechanical failures, pilot errors, or collisions, resulting in 20 fatalities. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have fallen into the Hudson and East rivers as a result of mechanical failures, pilot errors or collisions, killing 20 people. Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mechanical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanical
Adjective
  • This opens up the possibility of Wycombe either clinching automatic promotion before their two rivals play, or the door being prised open for either Wrexham or Charlton to nip through and set up a nerve-wracking final day.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Congress tried to address this issue by passing the Child Citizenship Act in 2000, which grants automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While headphones usually create an unnatural and exaggerated stereo field inside the listener’s head, with virtual acoustic spaces a more natural stereo field can be experienced through headphones.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Photos often have unnatural colors, with little detail upon close inspection.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Elon Musk's company launched its 32nd robotic resupply mission to the ISS for NASA early Monday morning (April 21), sending a Dragon freighter aloft from Florida's Space Coast.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Your next half-marathon could be getting some robotic flair.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most recent mock drafts are also split between an offensive lineman or cornerback Will Johnson from Michigan.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Take a look at how Omar Kelly envisions the first round playing out in the second and likely final version of his mock draft, unless there’s a trade made before Thursday night’s first-round kickoff.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Overtourism is a serious concern, particularly for smaller ports, where large crowds can have a significant impact, leading to strained infrastructure and affecting local quality of life.
    Jessica Benavides Canepa, AFAR Media, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Forbes reported that the relationship between Natalia and the Mans family became strained in 2023, the same year the couple officially adopted her.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But ultimately, the week ended with a pretty good array of extremes in selling pressure and hedging demand of the sort that should turn the risk-reward more favorable for a reflex bounce before too long.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The reflex reaction would be to suggest that without Stiller and Goretzka, Germany lost control in midfield.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From factory employees in China stringing lights on artificial trees to dock workers unloading containers of toys, this vast labor force ensures Americans can choose from a wide selection of decorations and gifts each December.
    Zeyi Yang, Wired News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The Real Cost of Making Things Hard When companies add artificial friction, they: CEO: C-suite news, analysis, and advice for top decision makers right to your inbox.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanical. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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