mechanical

adjective

mi-ˈka-ni-kəl How to pronounce mechanical (audio)
Definition of mechanicalnext
1
as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision the waiter's mechanical reply of "Everything on the menu is good"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unnatural
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality a somewhat mechanical vocal performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Upstairs, the 2,940-square-foot western bar Big Shots features line dancing, beer and a mechanical bull. —Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 6 June 2026 In Beijing, freelance social media content creator Yang Ning recently tried out a cleaning service with a helper robot with mechanical arms and hands. —Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 6 June 2026 Increasingly, consumers are choosing vehicles based on software capabilities rather than mechanical specifications. —James Morris, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Beyond the sound barrier, severe aerodynamic, mechanical, and thermodynamic complexities are introduced. —David Szondy june 04, New Atlas, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mechanical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanical
  1. automatic
  2. unnatural
  3. robotic
  4. mock
  5. mechanic
  6. strained
  7. reflex
  8. false
Adjective
  • In the early stages of a relationship, self-expansion is largely automatic, as new partners are most inclined at this point to learn about each other’s unfamiliar interests, social circles, habits and ideas.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • Under Texas election law, an automatic recount occurs only in the case of a tie; otherwise, a candidate must formally request one.
    — Doug Myers, CBS News, 14 June 2026
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • This is fast enough for the robot to react to environmental changes in real time without making its motions feel jerky or unnatural.
    — Lee-Lean Shu, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • The whole thing felt unnatural.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 6 June 2026
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • The system — which will be developed by Pennsylvania State University, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Delaware — consists of wearable sensors and robotic smart feeders that will observe how the cows breathe, eat, and their activity levels, Penn State said in a release.
    — Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 10 Dec. 2025
  • Studying them helps researchers better understand Mars' atmospheric chemistry, climate and habitability, and could guide the design of future robotic and human missions to the Red Planet.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Definition of robotic
Adjective
  • Public health officials have been preparing for months, said Philadelphia’s Raval-Nelson, including with mock emergency drills and communications with counterparts around the country.
    — Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • Public health officials have been preparing for months, said Philadelphia’s Raval-Nelson, including with mock emergency drills and communications with counterparts around the country.
    — Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • From a young Ron Howard as Andy’s son Opie to Jim Nabors as the well-meaning mechanic Gomer Pyle, the show launched careers and spinoffs, won awards, and carved out a permanent place in pop-culture history.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
  • The top job on the list is car technician and mechanic, with a median hourly wage of almost $24.
    — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Definition of mechanic
Adjective
  • Repercussions could result in local fines, citations, damage claims, and a strained relationship with the neighbor.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Tess is the other violin, anxious and strained and full of unresolved hurt; Jon, the sweet, warm viola, always supporting, his identity built around harmony.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • That reflex delays care and erodes trust.
    — Liz Koch, STAT, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The ten seconds that led to the Braylon Mullins’ miracle shot were a series of reflex plays, reactions, the ultimate in instincts taking over, living in the split second, rather than in the moment.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • The audit seeks to identify false information intentionally submitted in fraudulent medical applications or certifications.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Trump undermined the argument of his prepared remarks by riffing on the economy with a series of unconvincing, hyperbolic assertions and false statements.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
Definition of false

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mechanical
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Cite this Entry

“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanical. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of mechanical for Spanish Speakers

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