automatic 1 of 2

adjective

ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce automatic (audio)
Definition of automaticnext
1
as in mechanical
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision Carl's automatic use of the brakes narrowly averted a collision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in automated
designed to replace or decrease human labor and especially physical labor liked the ease of an automatic floor cleaner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

automatic

2 of 2

noun

as in machine gun

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word automatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of automatic are impulsive, instinctive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

Where would impulsive be a reasonable alternative to automatic?

While the synonyms impulsive and automatic are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When could instinctive be used to replace automatic?

The words instinctive and automatic can be used in similar contexts, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When would mechanical be a good substitute for automatic?

In some situations, the words mechanical and automatic are roughly equivalent. However, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When is it sensible to use spontaneous instead of automatic?

The meanings of spontaneous and automatic largely overlap; however, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

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 automatic
Adjective
Any such information will only be used to facilitate automatic updates. —Hazlitt, 6 Feb. 2026 This one is 33 mm, set with 36 diamonds and containing an automatic movement. —Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
Notre Dame is simply trying to figure out how to make the automatics automatic. —Pete Sampson, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 The gearbox offerings will likely include 6-speed manuals and 8-speed automatics. —Michael Harley, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for automatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic
  1. mechanical
  2. automated
  3. machine gun
  4. robotic
  5. assault rifle
  6. reflex
  7. carbine
  8. spontaneous
Adjective
  • The leaf shutter in the lens has a range from bulb to 1/500th of a second and is controlled via a mechanical film advance lever built around brass gears and mechanisms that provides a tactile experience.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • Volunteers also demonstrated how an automated external defibrillator, or AED, works.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Meanwhile, assisted reproductive technologies have become more advanced, automated and accessible, the researchers say, yet fundamental biological questions about reproduction remain unanswered, particularly for long-duration missions.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of automated
Noun
  • The websites provided computer code and step-by-step instructions to make firearms, machine gun conversion kits and accessories, the lawsuit said, in violation of California law.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Four Baltimore men were charged in 2024 with possessing three Glocks, an AR-15, an untraceable AR-15 pistol and eight machine gun conversion devices.
    — Cindy Camp, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of machine gun
Adjective
  • This past holiday season, to keep up with the Black Friday and Christmas demand, the company added 30% capacity to its robotic fleet.
    — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Fincantieri’s industrial expertise, coupled with the Italian firm’s robotic platform, forms the base for this partnership.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of robotic
Noun
  • One of them carried an assault rifle, later determined to be an AR-15, its strap slung high across his chest.
    — Scott Eden, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
  • That sweep drew instant protesters, including at least one person carrying what appeared to be an assault rifle.
    — Amanda Luberto, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of assault rifle
Adjective
  • This local reflex system reduces damage, improves safety and makes interactions feel more natural.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
  • 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
Definition of reflex
Noun
  • The Rip, from the director Joe Carnahan, is a cop drama where macho guys (and gals) tote carbine rifles and grunt law-enforcement lingo—the kind of crime-genre pablum that commonly gets thrown onto Netflix in mid-January.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Set in the 1940s in fictional Hohman, Indiana, young Ralphie Parker dreams of nothing more than an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle for Christmas.
    — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 25 Nov. 2025
Definition of carbine
Adjective
  • Of course, some of the best opportunities to experience the world's game will be unofficial and unplanned—from spontaneous pickup games to late-night football anthem sing-alongs.
    — Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Scientists now think chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is an autoimmune disease, at least for most people.
    — Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of spontaneous

Browse Nearby Words

automated
automatic
automatically
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Cite this Entry

“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automatic. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on automatic

Nglish: Translation of automatic for Spanish Speakers

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