instinctive

adjective

in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv How to pronounce instinctive (audio)
Definition of instinctivenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 First responders describe instinctive decisions made under pressure. —William Jones january 21, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026 Play wants structure so progress can bloom, as an instinctive New Moon seeds your 5th House of Creativity with inspiration. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026 The 6-foot, 195-pound versatile playmaker is instinctive, capable of quickly diagnosing layered route concepts, and will bait quarterbacks into making a mistake. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026 For Madhurima Chakraborty, attending the impromptu protest was instinctive in the wake of Midway Blitz. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
  1. automatic
  2. mechanical
  3. reflex
  4. spontaneous
  5. instinctual
  6. robotic
  7. mechanic
Adjective
  • State legislation under consideration would prohibit the sale of new handguns that are designed to be easily converted into fully automatic weapons.
    — Cindy Camp, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Resort officials said the gondola stopped due to a mechanical alignment issue that triggered a safety sensor — bringing the lift to an automatic stop, Olympic Regional Development Authority and Gore Mountain said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • The researchers emphasize that the system is designed to detect mechanical stress only.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Resort officials said the gondola stopped due to a mechanical alignment issue that triggered a safety sensor — bringing the lift to an automatic stop, Olympic Regional Development Authority and Gore Mountain said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of mechanical
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
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
Adjective
  • Zal also praised Zhao’s instinctual approach to filmmaking.
    — Kennedy French, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Ponds is a physical, instinctual playmaker who plays downhill like a safety in run support, and excels in man or zone coverage.
    — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Definition of instinctual
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
Adjective
  • Car lots, mechanic shops, and cafes line a forlorn stretch of Route 66 in central Amarillo, but vibrant art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, a bookstore, and record shop are concentrated in a lively 13-block strip of the famed highway west of the central business district.
    — Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
  • In June 2020, the 72-year-old former police officer and mechanic pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder and other crimes in order to avoid the death penalty.
    — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Definition of mechanic

Browse Nearby Words

instinct
instinctive
instinctively
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Cite this Entry

“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on instinctive

Nglish: Translation of instinctive for Spanish Speakers

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