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 Socrates warned that writing, a mechanical act, might weaken memory, a creative one. —Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 Indianapolis’ offense is a device of mechanical perfection. —J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems. —Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025 Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 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. artificial
Adjective
  • The criminal complaint, though, does not mention a semi-automatic weapon or that Martinez was armed.
    — Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Turn on automatic updates so you're always protected without having to think about it.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • So watch the video carefully and try to catch the signs of unnatural eye movements, lip-sync issues, weird lighting, shadows and voice inconsistencies.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Temporary runways tend to be sketchier to run and jump from, while makeshift throwing set-ups can feel unnatural.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • The experiment opens new possibilities in robotic locomotion.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Unlike typical surgical bioprinters that require large machines or robotic arms near the patient, MEDS contains no electronics.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
Definition of robotic
Adjective
  • The program for career day will feature panels, mock interviews and networking opportunities.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Looking ahead, the researchers plan to conduct more complex experiments using mock debris with different shapes and compositions.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • Crowson said the suspect then drove to an area about two and a half miles north of the mechanic shop, where police received a report of another shooting.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
  • An hour later, a mechanic shop in Houston called 911 to report that a man had shot and killed a male employee.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Definition of mechanic
Adjective
  • After missing the Heat’s first five preseason games with a strained hamstring, Rozier played in his first exhibition of the year on Friday.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
  • If staffing levels remain strained, a single storm or tech glitch could cause nationwide ripple effects that ruin travel plans for millions.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 17 Oct. 2025
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • 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
  • This realistic doctor’s coat has everything your aspiring doctor needs to give their patients a check-up, including a face mask, a stethoscope with sound effects (AAA batteries not included), thermometer, syringe, reflex hammer, and reusable name tag.
    — Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • The less light pollution, the better; a shower like this one that's rich in faint meteors is especially hard hit by artificial skyglow.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Engineers are experimenting with artificial gravity, such as spinning spacecraft to generate centrifugal force.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of artificial

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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 23 Oct. 2025.

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