as in tendencies
a usually innate ability or desire to perform a specific activity
Pouncing on mice is a cat's natural instinct. We needed all of our survival instincts to make it through the weeks lost at sea.
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Recent Examples of instincts
Focusing strictly on survival, the History series strands 10 individuals by themselves in the wilderness, testing their primal instincts and adaptability.
—
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026
Or maybe his inflation-fighting instincts never really existed.
—Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Doctors acknowledge instincts that guide attention before test results do.
—Malana Vantyler, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Trump has always trusted his gut, and his unorthodox political instincts led to one of the most unlikely victories in American politics in 2016 and then, eight years later, its most improbable comeback.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
Moving to the rhythm takes advantage of those instincts, and adds on another layer – prediction.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
Trusting her instincts, Monica manages to get Anthony out of her home before things escalate.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
Jon grabbed the attention of community leaders and spurred a very important conversation long before the Great Recession proved his instincts to be right on target.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The podcast leans into Povich's reporting instincts, giving him space to talk openly about his own experiences.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026
Or maybe his inflation-fighting instincts never really existed.
—Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Doctors acknowledge instincts that guide attention before test results do.
—Malana Vantyler, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Trump has always trusted his gut, and his unorthodox political instincts led to one of the most unlikely victories in American politics in 2016 and then, eight years later, its most improbable comeback.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
Moving to the rhythm takes advantage of those instincts, and adds on another layer – prediction.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
Trusting her instincts, Monica manages to get Anthony out of her home before things escalate.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
Jon grabbed the attention of community leaders and spurred a very important conversation long before the Great Recession proved his instincts to be right on target.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The podcast leans into Povich's reporting instincts, giving him space to talk openly about his own experiences.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instincts
Noun
-
In particular, the anything-goes attitude of DIY venue ACS, where Han has performed with local cybergrind artist Supermotel K and Japan’s BBBBBB, has incubated his digital hardcore tendencies.—
James Gui,
Pitchfork,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The winter market was not going to be as turbulent as the summer 2025 one had been, but Villa’s tendencies under manager Unai Emery always carry intrigue.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the four years since the facility opened, many of the club’s members have leveled up their skills in a big way.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Over time, their problem-solving skills will improve.—
Lizzie Assa,
CNBC,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This is the standard for ramp inclinations that are usable for most people, especially wheelchair users.—
K. Desbouis,
Artforum,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Trump’s inclinations to make every race about him could foul this for the GOP.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Unexpected conversations about money, desire or power can feel destabilizing, especially when creative risks or romantic impulses clash with practical responsibilities.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The film is a collage of all of those impulses.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The title is a reflection of the brave women who work to solve the mystery—all while maintaining their classy and cordial dispositions.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The Celtics pounded the paint with Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, a pair of bruising bigs who also can force the issue from 3-point range despite their lumbering dispositions.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instincts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instincts. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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