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

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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

The ten seconds that led to the Braylon Mullins’ miracle shot were a series of reflex plays, reactions, the ultimate in instincts taking over, living in the split second, rather than in the moment. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026 There was a reflex stop on a David Kämpf flash rebound in the second period. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026

Noun

As the name suggests, Phillips Avent’s silicone pacifiers help soothe babies’ suckling reflex and tame fussiness almost instantly. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 1 July 2026 The reflex, from a distance, is to call this irrational. — Tyler Evans, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reflex

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflex

Adjective

Your dog is reactive or aggressive around other animals or strangers.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
For many managers, their day is consumed by administrative tasks, mountains of paperwork, and reactive problem-solving.

— Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of reactive

Noun

Each party champions a cultural agenda from which supporters of the other party recoil.

— Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Moreover, large mammals reuse significant shares of energy spent running, because a part of the kinetic and potential energy deployed to run is temporarily stored as elastic strain in muscles and tendons and redeployed as elastic recoil.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026

Definition of recoil

Adjective

Audio from an emergency medical services dispatch suggests that McConnell, 84, was reported unconscious at his Washington residence in June, prompting an advanced life support response.

— Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 July 2026
McConnell was found unconscious the morning of June 14 and transported to a local hospital in an Advanced Life Support ambulance, according to Punchbowl News and the New York Post.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of unconscious

Noun

The deepest reason for this near-universal futility is that most of us remain imprisoned by the delusions of the ego, suffering from alternating cravings and revulsions.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Watching Jackie read her profoundly scary tale, my reaction moved from curiosity to revulsion to fear… not of her, but of Michael.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2026

Definition of revulsion

Adjective

Like, reading this book, young high-school students who could really empathize, see themselves in it, which is important to high-school students in a real, visceral way.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
The pressure to retreat to certainty was social, political and visceral.

— James G. Naples, Fortune, 27 June 2026

Definition of visceral

Adjective

Any bias, subconscious or otherwise, is in the margins, and relates to decisions that could go either way.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 19 June 2026
Her Taurus moon also occupies her 12th house, an area of the birth chart associated with spirituality, secrecy and subconscious realms.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026

Definition of subconscious

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Style

“Reflex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflex. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of reflex

adjective

noun

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