reflex 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of reflexnext
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
Hospital staff reportedly told them Vincent was exhibiting agonal breathing, an involuntary reflex that can occur near death. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for reflex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reflex
  1. reactive
  2. recoil
  3. unconscious
  4. revulsion
  5. visceral
  6. rebound
  7. Pavlovian
  8. subconscious
Adjective
  • One of Ramboll’s innovations is to address reactive power, a component of electricity that does not perform useful work but is essential in maintaining electrical and magnetic fields and controlling voltage levels.
    — Drew Robb, IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026
  • After this, oxygen was introduced into the stubborn polymer chains, which created the reactive weak spots needed for the treatment to dismantle all three plastic types.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
Definition of reactive
Noun
  • Mention your need for a kitchen rug in conversation, and you'll either be greeted with enthusiastic recommendations or watch someone recoil at the thought of putting textiles in one of the home's most spill-prone, high-traffic spaces.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026
  • Each party champions a cultural agenda from which supporters of the other party recoil.
    — Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of recoil
Adjective
  • Psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud argued that speech errors could reveal hidden wishes or unconscious thoughts.
    — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
  • José Guadalupe Ramos Solano José Guadalupe Ramos Solano, 36, died on March 25, 2026, after being found unconscious at the Adelanto Detention Center, California.
    — Rocío Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 14 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
  • Because only in intense, rarefied states will our illusions finally drop away, like redundant scaffolding, freeing us to perceive life on a more visceral level.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
  • The film’s gruesome practical effects feel even more visceral, and the terror feels more intense.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026
Definition of visceral
Noun
  • The go-ahead score came in the 93rd minute off a rebound from an attempt near the top of the box.
    — AJC Sports, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
  • After a Jordan Pickford save, the rebound bounced right to the left foot of Torbjørn Heggem, who blasted the ball into the goal.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026
Definition of rebound
Adjective
  • When the needle finally drops, the effect is Pavlovian.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 25 July 2025
  • The result is a political Pavlovian response where even modest tax reforms come with a side of millionaire exodus think-pieces.
    — Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of Pavlovian
Adjective
  • The hotel may already be lodged somewhere in your subconscious thanks to its iconic yellow umbrellas and vaulted-ceiling indoor pool.
    — Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of subconscious

Browse Nearby Words

reflects (on or upon)
reflex
reflexes
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Cite this Entry

“Reflex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reflex. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reflex

Nglish: Translation of reflex for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reflex

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