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 My photos from Sleepwalking are spontaneous, and coincidence is very important to keep my curiosity alive and to look out for narratives. Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 The Harlem Renaissance was filled with poetry and song—and with performance, as enshrined in Greaves’s footage which features many spontaneous, thrillingly theatrical recitations of poems by Bontemps, Hughes, Cullen, and McKay. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025 Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene A regional recall for 12 Midwestern states was issued for unopened bottles of Kirkland Signature Prosecco due to the potential for spontaneous shattering, even when not handled. Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 That spontaneous whimsy outgrew the beach and ended up being planted in the dust of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Dennis Hinkamp, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spontaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spontaneous
Adjective
  • How teams stack up in the race for automatic bids, first-round byes and staying on the right side of the bubble.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Small and simple, the Magnifica is an automatic machine that can brew seven drinks, including espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and iced coffee.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Sources close to the couple said the breakup was far from sudden.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This realistic doctor’s coat has everything your aspiring doctor needs to give their patients a check-up, including a face mask, a stethoscope with sound effects (AAA batteries not included), thermometer, syringe, reflex hammer, and reusable name tag.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The reflex trade was a textbook Fed-easing play to rotate out of big, expensive growth stocks and into lower-quality, more cyclical small-caps and financials .
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The first mimics its real-life namesake by having a strong, flexible robotic arm.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
  • But the country is now building toward a robotic lunar lander to be launched by a homegrown rocket, with a grander vision of establishing a moon base by 2045 as part of a long-term exploration road map released by KASA in August.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That quiet, instinctive gesture of care — captured on video and later shared on TikTok — struck a chord with hundreds of thousands.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • At its core, the novel is a philosophical search for harmony in a world where our intellectual side expects rational order, whereas the instinctive natural world follows its own principles.
    Nelly Klos September 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cynthia Quiles, who plays mechanic Frankie, is not known to have any romantic ties and hasn't spoken publicly about her personal life.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Kreider is refreshed to be teaching young folks who are engaged in mechanic work.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jared Jewelers Bulova Phantom Watch A watch is both practical and fashionable, and this style adds a touch of sparkle to simple outfits.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Each year, as the temperature rises, the town’s regular population of around 300 swells with thousands of kids soaking up the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spontaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spontaneous. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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