Definition of spontaneousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word spontaneous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of spontaneous are automatic, impulsive, instinctive, and mechanical. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

In what contexts can automatic take the place of spontaneous?

The meanings of automatic and spontaneous largely overlap; however, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When is it sensible to use impulsive instead of spontaneous?

In some situations, the words impulsive and spontaneous are roughly equivalent. However, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When could instinctive be used to replace spontaneous?

The synonyms instinctive and spontaneous are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

Where would mechanical be a reasonable alternative to spontaneous?

The words mechanical and spontaneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

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 spontaneous Vance’s words were not a spontaneous reaction to an unexpected question. David Frum, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026 But those spontaneous moments are all but guaranteed. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Jan. 2026 With dinner and drinks served throughout the evening, the Golden Globes create a party atmosphere that frequently leads to memorable, spontaneous moments from Hollywood’s biggest stars. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 11 Jan. 2026 Staff check in with you each morning and evening to tailor your day to your energy, mood, and goals, whether that's heli-fishing at dawn, a forest bathing session, or a spontaneous helicopter ride for a picnic on a glacier. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spontaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spontaneous
Adjective
  • Membership is automatic for first-time guests who book a stay at rates running $3,000 to $5,000 a night for up to 10 people.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • In 2024, some 45% of participants boosted 401(k) deferrals — on their own or as part of their plan’s automatic increases — according to Vanguard’s 2025 How America Saves report, which is based on more than 1,400 plans and nearly 5 million participants.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Westbank will install completely new plumbing, electrical, mechanical, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, according to the sources.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Bidding and construction began in November So far, the building’s external structure is complete, with the installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems ongoing.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Other affected customers, like KHOU meteorologist Pat Calvin, noted how the sudden technological disconnect felt like the return of a bygone era.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
  • No one is going to care about short-term interest rates if the dollar starts tanking or there is a sudden and widespread loss of confidence in the Fed’s ability to maintain inflation low and labor markets stable over the long-term.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Or just a reflex mean-reversion trade in some laggard sectors at a time when the AI theme has become more fragmented and treacherous?
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025
  • As a result, reflex time — a mechanic that emulated the slow-motion gunfights of Hard Boiled or The Matrix, or bullet time from Remedy’s Max Payne (2001) — would be a defining aspect of F.E.A.R.’s gameplay.
    Will Borger, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Since the world model is built around video understanding, advances in video AI directly translate into better robotic capabilities.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
  • David, meanwhile, often comes across to colleagues as awkward and robotic.
    Reeves Wiedeman, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The 6-foot, 195-pound versatile playmaker is instinctive, capable of quickly diagnosing layered route concepts, and will bait quarterbacks into making a mistake.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
  • For Madhurima Chakraborty, attending the impromptu protest was instinctive in the wake of Midway Blitz.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Car lots, mechanic shops, and cafes line a forlorn stretch of Route 66 in central Amarillo, but vibrant art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, a bookstore, and record shop are concentrated in a lively 13-block strip of the famed highway west of the central business district.
    Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
  • In June 2020, the 72-year-old former police officer and mechanic pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder and other crimes in order to avoid the death penalty.
    Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • This simple design works well once the engine is already moving very fast.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Do this simple test to find out if your soil is ready.
    Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spontaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spontaneous. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

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