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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 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
  • Instead, their relationship is built on a secure emotional foundation that makes these behaviors natural and automatic over time.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Regardless of income, one factor that has helped boost savers’ balances is automatic enrollment.
    Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Undersized at 6-foot-2, but a strong and explosive 215 pounds, Martin’s role in the Gators’ national championship success along with strong workouts for NBA teams placed him in the second round of many mock drafts.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • Most analysts agree that Michael Misa, C, will be the No. 2 overall selection, but from pick No. 3 onward, mock drafts diverge sharply.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 27 June 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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • That artificial sweetener crosses your blood-brain barrier and actually makes the neurotransmitter depletion worse.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanical. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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