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

Synonyms & Similar 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
After Waco, the ATF invested in tactical equipment and improved weapons systems, along with training on using tear gas and automatic weapons. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 Brightness adjustments are automatic, which can be a nuisance. —PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
In the car world, automatics are practical and simple for the majority of commuting drivers, but enthusiasts often prefer the extra control and involvement of a clutch and a stick-shift. —New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024 For Prime Day there are a couple De’Longhi Magnifica models, the brand’s entry-level super automatics, on big sales. —Noah Kaufman, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for automatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic
  1. mechanical
  2. automated
  3. machine gun
  4. robotic
  5. machine pistol
  6. reflex
  7. assault rifle
  8. spontaneous
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers due to mechanical failures, pilot errors, or collisions, resulting in 20 fatalities.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • Advocates say automated plans could introduce millions of lower-income Americans to retirement savings.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Today styling itself as an automated end-user computing management platform, the company is currently at iteration version number 7.0 for Nerdio Manager for Enterprise.
    — Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of automated
Noun
  • In Weekend 2 So Ukraine has relied more on 900 mobile defence units, mainly armed with anti-aircraft cannon and machine guns mounted on a variety of vehicles.
    — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The Ukrainian Navy patrol boat zipped across the Black Sea, its double-barreled, 25-millimeter machine gun locked on the horizon.
    — Constant Méheut, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of machine gun
Adjective
  • Elon Musk's company launched its 32nd robotic resupply mission to the ISS for NASA early Monday morning (April 21), sending a Dragon freighter aloft from Florida's Space Coast.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Your next half-marathon could be getting some robotic flair.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of robotic
Noun
  • One casing is a 9mm caliber, likely a pistol, or a machine pistol or a submachine gun, Weir said.
    — Mohammad Al Sawalhi, CNN, 26 June 2024
  • Prosecutors said police found two weapons in the getaway car when the men were detained on a highway about 50 kilometers (30 miles) outside Amsterdam, a Heckler and Koch machine pistol and, in a Louis Vuitton bag, a blank-firing pistol that had been modified to take 9-millimeter rounds.
    — MIKE CORDER, ajc, 18 Oct. 2021
Definition of machine pistol
Adjective
  • But ultimately, the week ended with a pretty good array of extremes in selling pressure and hedging demand of the sort that should turn the risk-reward more favorable for a reflex bounce before too long.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The reflex reaction would be to suggest that without Stiller and Goretzka, Germany lost control in midfield.
    — Manuel Veth, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of reflex
Noun
  • But for anyone with a taste for operatic violence and fountains of blood as shotgun and assault rifle blasts send bodies flying in slo-mo or dancing like convulsive marionettes, Gareth Evans’ gritty neo-noir will be just the ticket.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Healey ordered the shelter inspections after police arrested Leonardo Andujar Sanchez of the Dominican Republic for allegedly possessing five kilos of fentanyl and an assault rifle while staying at an emergency shelter in Revere.
    — Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of assault rifle
Adjective
  • Both edibles offer fresh garnishes for daily use or spontaneous hosting.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Emerging from the city's urban landscape, his art is characterized by spontaneous compositions of pattern and form, often evolving through layers of spray paint, ink, and acrylic.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
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 29 Apr. 2025.

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