REFLEX Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

reflex 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of reflex

as in reactive

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Dissimilar Words

reflex

2 of 2

noun

as in recoil

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 reflex

Adjective

Wyle listened to the two women’s breathing and administered a reflex test on their knees. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 May 2026 Gargling vigorously enough that your eyes water slightly engages the same reflex doctors use clinically to check vagal function. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026

Noun

That reflex is not necessarily the same with Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell or Bam Adebayo. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 There’s like this neuroendocrine reflex that goes from the skin up to the brain back to the tissue. — Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reflex

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflex

Adjective

If the first phase of the GLP-1 beauty boom was reactive, the next is likely to be defined by prevention, personalization, and products built around the changing body.

— Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
If those factors are captured consistently and made visible to the right teams, ESG can actually influence business decisions rather than simply become reactive information collected for an annual report.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of reactive

Noun

With too much shotgun recoil, shooters tend to pull their head off the stock or get inconsistent with their gun mount.

— Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026
When collagen weakens or elastin loses its recoil, skin cannot fully retract to fit the smaller frame underneath.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of recoil

Adjective

At the scene, authorities found Pomeroy lying unconscious in the bar's parking lot.

— Michael Guise, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
They are frequently shaped by conscious and unconscious biases, workplace politics and whether an employee is viewed favorably by leadership.

— Lauren Russell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconscious

Noun

There is also a sense of real revulsion and anger about the concentration of wealth at the top, and a sense of wanting to create a more egalitarian country … that speaks to a sense of fundamental human dignity.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
At the end of the third set, Gareth whispered into Marcy’s ear across the table, and her face took on a look of revulsion.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of revulsion

Adjective

Palal told jurors that Davis held onto a visceral hatred for Shakur for decades that drove him to speak.

— CBS News, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
By featuring some of the same musicians in panel discussions and performances — in effect presenting a visceral cause-and-effect — Poston hopes attendees will gain a better perspective on Davis and his work.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of visceral

Noun

Included in Williams’ efforts last season was a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Wizards against the Pacers.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Laeticia Amihere earned the first start of her 95-game WNBA career, but only played 15 minutes, scoring two points and grabbing only rebound.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebound

Adjective

Publications from the Times on down employ clickbait headlines that treat you like a starving rat in a Pavlovian experiment.

— Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
O’Neill, who also has Pavlovian as a starter, named Cristian Torres to ride Robusta because Emisael Jaramillo had commitments at Santa Anita.

— Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026

Definition of Pavlovian

Adjective

We are swayed by subconscious gestures that ultimately have no bearing on a person’s ability to do a job, like poor posture or a weak handshake.

— Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Nolan has embraced an elaborately mathematical approach to storytelling and somehow applied it successfully to the subjects of subconscious corporate espionage, space exploration, and World War II.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Definition of subconscious

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Style

“Reflex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflex. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of reflex

adjective

noun

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