INSTINCTIVE Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'instinctive' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of instinctive are automatic , impulsive , mechanical , and spontaneous . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will. // blinking is an instinctive reaction

Q: When is 'automatic' a more appropriate choice than 'instinctive'?

In some situations, the words automatic and instinctive are roughly equivalent. However, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

Q: When might 'impulsive' be a better fit than 'instinctive'?

The meanings of impulsive and instinctive largely overlap; however, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment. // impulsive acts of violence

Q: In what contexts can 'mechanical' take the place of 'instinctive'?

The words mechanical and instinctive can be used in similar contexts, but mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

Q: Where would 'spontaneous' be a reasonable alternative to 'instinctive'?

While the synonyms spontaneous and instinctive are close in meaning, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

instinctive

adjective

in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv

Definition of instinctive next

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision the instinctive reaction of a mother is to protect her children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word instinctive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of instinctive are automatic, impulsive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When is automatic a more appropriate choice than instinctive?

In some situations, the words automatic and instinctive are roughly equivalent. However, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When might impulsive be a better fit than instinctive?

The meanings of impulsive and instinctive largely overlap; however, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

In what contexts can mechanical take the place of instinctive?

The words mechanical and instinctive can be used in similar contexts, but mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

Where would spontaneous be a reasonable alternative to instinctive?

While the synonyms spontaneous and instinctive are close in meaning, 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 instinctive Every look is incredible — spontaneous, instinctive, and full of a desire to dream and fall in love with fashion all over again. —

Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 Isak’s winner was instinctive to the point of improbability, his right boot in precisely the right place when Jacob Murphy’s cross was deflected on by Radu Dragusin in the 38th minute. —

George Caulkin, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025 My creative process is instinctive and spontaneous. —

Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 Each guest is invited to discover the essences through an instinctive exploration guided by a specialist or Cheloni himself, aimed at choosing favorite notes and creating a bespoke fragrance. —

Sandra Salibian, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for instinctive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive

Adjective

Founded in Paris 250 years ago, Abraham-Louis Breguet was one of the most influential watchmakers in history, best known for inventing the tourbillon and the automatic winding system—along with many other groundbreaking innovations.

— Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2025
Mirroring of intransitive actions, also called automatic imitation, can be measured with what’s called a stimulus-response-compatibility (SRC) test.

— Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2025