1
2

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 Products include mechanical, electrical, sensing and electronic components, spanning from motors and lighting assemblies to ultrasonic, camera, radar and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 This is true whether the clot is small or large and regardless of its density—but reliably removing the densest clots via mechanical means has proved an elusive task. Ani Freedman, Fortune, 27 June 2025 Crews will also replace the windows, fix the roof and replace all of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety, security and information technology systems. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 Repairs include mechanical/plumbing elements, as well as wood flooring in its historic gymnasium, and the initial phase of three was approved unanimously by trustees Friday. Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mechanical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanical
Adjective
  • This grass chopper is easy to set up, runs quietly, boasts a solid battery life and automatic charging, and easily maps your mowing area (even with obstacles).
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
  • But this went from an idea that was an automatic community win to an example of desperate nickel and diming.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • His footwork and instincts at third base are unnatural regardless of the maximum effort Chisholm Jr. has put into playing the position.
    Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • What might this robotic world of the future look like?
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The field has also become specialized, Hochberg says, with some groups focused on decoding speech while others work on improving control of robotic limbs.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a recent mock draft, Baseball America speculated the Sox would select Florida State left-hander Jamie Arnold if the run on prep shortstops left him on the board.
    Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • This time, he was invited to continue in the selection process, which included another test over Zoom with about 30 other hopeful applicants, a personality interview and a virtual mock game.
    Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The country’s Transitional Presidential Council also adopted a resolution authorizing the involvement of a controversial force, the Protected Areas Security Brigade, to fight gangs despite the agency’s strained relationships with the Haiti National Police.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • On this track, he and FOLA trade lines seamlessly and effortlessly, with the young singer fitting right in on the emotional track about a strained relationship that both sides are trying to save.
    Heran Mamo, Billboard, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some bass-heavy speakers can create an annoying booming sound from the reflex port at the rear of the speaker.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The Loewe Grand inicio is a powerful two-way speaker with a bass reflex system and is available as a floor-standing speaker.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • While trace amounts may still be naturally present in some foods, the ban has virtually eliminated artificial trans fats.
    Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
  • The best sparkling water, our tasters said, should taste clean, refreshing, and should not have any metallic or artificial flavors.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanical. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mechanical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!