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 One of the evening’s most touching moments came through Badu’s spontaneous and heartfelt interaction with the ASL interpreter. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 6 July 2025 No amount of internal emails or Slack channels can replace the trust built through a lunch, a walk, or a spontaneous conversation in the hallway. Jj Rosen, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Brian Beattie: The company was amazing, and the general spontaneous timing and routing of the trip was totally stimulating, but Red Mountain is a unique experience. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Relatedly, many people become more open to spontaneous thinking in the evening, when the brain is less focused and inhibited. Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spontaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spontaneous
Adjective
  • This legislation will trigger automatic cuts to Medicare totaling $500 billion over eight years.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • But this went from an idea that was an automatic community win to an example of desperate nickel and diming.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • In one particularly raw moment, a woman studying the photographs let out a sudden shriek.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
  • The tragedy in Ruidoso highlights growing concerns about increasingly intense weather systems striking communities with little time to prepare for sudden surges of water.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • That leads to the second category: a simple reflex agent with state.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Some bass-heavy speakers can create an annoying booming sound from the reflex port at the rear of the speaker.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • So marketers are faced with the challenge of adapting once again to a new reality, where buying isn’t driven by emotional response but by algorithms and robotic logic.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In a warehouse setting, this means robotic arms could inspect the contents of packages moving down a conveyor belt without unpacking them.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • His high tackle-success rate and ability to recover loose balls highlight both positional awareness and sharp instinctive timing.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • The removal of living beings from their natural environment, along with the massive scale of human intervention, can be just as pernicious as the instinctive and selfish destruction that is often overlooked.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Another customer says the soap works wonders for their mechanic husband and is powerful enough to remove dirt and grease.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 10 July 2025
  • Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
  • Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spontaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spontaneous. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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