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 Rounding out the mechanical upgrades is a revised braking system, which should come in handy on particularly treacherous routes. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025 This comes about from a suite of chemical and mechanical triggers, including frequent consumption of acidic and sugary foods like soda and fruit juice, tooth grinding, aggressive brushing, acid reflux and even dry mouth. —New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025 Investigators will examine factors such as mechanical failure, pilot performance, weather conditions, and fuel management. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025 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
  • The battle for the Group of 5 automatic bid is wide open in Week 11.
    — Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Say, for example, that a restaurant’s menu states that an automatic 18% charge will be added to all bills for parties of six or more customers.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • For thousands of years, men in power have been responsible for catastrophe after genocide after unnatural disaster.
    — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Scrutinize fine details like hair, fur, or repetitive patterns that may appear unnatural, and inspect for illogical lighting, shadows, or odd background elements.
    — Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • For example, China has tested a satellite with a robotic arm that can shift other satellites into a different orbit.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • There were several such facilities at the time that were developing simulation centers with very sophisticated, six-figure robotic mannequins, on which training is done in low-stress environments for nurses, physicians and other healthcare providers.
    — Pat Maio, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of robotic
Adjective
  • What really makes the dress stand out is its chic details, which includes a structured seam around the waist, gold-tone decorative buttons, and a mock neckline.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The eye-rolling, groaning, mock-despair brings the group together.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • For example, ads for mechanic positions were predominantly shown to men, while those for preschool teacher roles were primarily directed to women.
    — Carlotta Dotto, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Donegan, who is twenty-eight, grew up in small-town Virginia, in a family that owned an assortment of local businesses—a tobacco farm, a mechanic shop, an electricity company.
    — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Definition of mechanic
Adjective
  • The data center explosion has created boom towns across the US, but strained grids and increased housing prices and energy costs.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Judge has been working to rebuild her strained relationship with Sidney for years.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • But largely absent from the show was a pain management disorder – reflex neurovascular dystrophy, also known as complex regional pain syndrome – that Sioux has dealt with for much of her life.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
  • In each case, there's a recognition that some players might want to explore a game's world—to experience the characters, art, and dialogue that the developers worked so hard to craft—without struggling through mechanical reflex tests or grindy, repetitive challenges.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2025
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • The title-winning standard has been lower in recent years; City won it with 86, 93, 89 and 91 points between 2020-21 and 2023-24 and Liverpool with 84 points last season, but some of those totals give a false impression.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The month prior, she was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for using marijuana while owning a firearm and making false statements about drug use, per the newspaper.
    — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of false

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mechanic
mechanical
mechanics
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Cite this Entry

“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanical. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

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