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 By focusing on the everyday realities of modern life—from the unpredictability of urban traffic to the desire for spontaneous exploration—Ausom contributes to a more thoughtful vision of mobility. Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 Creative thought relies on the brain’s ability to alternate between spontaneous idea generation and deliberate evaluation. Big Think, 23 Oct. 2025 As for Boone, his spontaneous show of appreciation gave one fan — and one handmade vest — a moment in the spotlight that no one will forget. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 However, unlike beer or cheese, where microbes are intentionally introduced and controlled, fermentation in cocoa beans is a spontaneous process and largely uncontrolled. New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spontaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spontaneous
Adjective
  • The technology included corrupt automatic shuffling machines that read cards and predicted which player had the best hand.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Choose from eight lighting modes—including twinkle, slow fade, steady glow, or flash—and even set an automatic shut-off timer.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The second, Lisa Pisano, received a mechanical heart pump in addition to the pig kidney in April 2024.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
  • That lighter frame allowed smaller motors and more compact batteries, creating cascading cost reductions throughout the mechanical system.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Most aneurysms are symptom-free, but sudden severe headaches or vision changes can signal a life-threatening rupture.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In each case, there's a recognition that some players might want to explore a game's world—to experience the characters, art, and dialogue that the developers worked so hard to craft—without struggling through mechanical reflex tests or grindy, repetitive challenges.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • These tests demonstrate reliable, multifunctional soft robotic performance integrating motion, grabbing, and adaptive optical control.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Although all three videos include audio, none of it quite syncs up with what’s on-screen, and ChatGPT’s robotic narration is particularly jarring.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Not home in the physical sense, but in the ancestral one — that instinctive recognition that lives in the bones.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In Warhead, Wright explains how armed conflict impacts every part of our brain, from the instinctive reflexes of our reptilian brainstem to the cognitive and metacognitive functions of the prefrontal cortex.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The maps are also designed around Black Ops 7’s new wall jump mechanic.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Crowson said the suspect then drove to an area about two and a half miles north of the mechanic shop, where police received a report of another shooting.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While House Republicans can pass legislation with a simple majority vote, Senate Republicans cannot advance most matters without meeting a 60-vote threshold.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But in stoppage time, Miami was gifted a third goal when Jordi Alba crossed from the left and keeper Willis, colliding with defender Walker Zimmerman, spilled the ball right to Messi, who had the simplest of tap-ins.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spontaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spontaneous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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