knee-jerk

adjective

ˈnē-ˌjərk How to pronounce knee-jerk (audio)
Definition of knee-jerknext
as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision a colleague known for her knee-jerk rejection of any proposal that she didn't originate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 knee-jerk When an employee reports a workplace harassment incident, leaders often have a knee-jerk reaction that can harm both their case and the individuals involved. — William Phillips, Forbes.com, 15 June 2026 Andrey Zvyagintsev, one of the most gifted Russian filmmakers of his generation, answers the question so decisively as to quell any knee-jerk remake fatigue. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026 That was my knee-jerk thought at the end of Hacks, as the camera pulled away from Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder walking down the Vegas strip in the final seconds of the series finale. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026 Advertisement President Biden’s answer to a question about military engagement, in October 2023, was a perfect illustration of Orwell’s point about knee-jerk nationalist responses. — Dominic Erdozain, Time, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk
  1. automatic
  2. reflex
  3. mechanical
  4. spontaneous
  5. instinctive
  6. robotic
  7. sudden
  8. mechanic
Adjective
  • The clinical version dates to research in the 1960s and 1970s, when devices tracked heart rate variability, muscle tension and skin temperature to help people regulate what was once considered automatic.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
  • The Disciplinary Code states that a sending off or automatic suspension can only be challenged if it was issued to the wrong player.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • As the session continues, Atlas’s movements appear increasingly fluid, suggesting the system is being evaluated not only for strength but also for agility, reflex response, and adaptive motor control.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
  • Wyle listened to the two women’s breathing and administered a reflex test on their knees.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 May 2026
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • Passive cooling, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, refers to ways to lower the indoor temperature that don’t necessarily require mechanical technology, like AC.
    — Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The pool did not open Saturday with the city's other outdoor pools after mechanical problems delayed the start of the season for the second consecutive year.
    — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • That didn’t seem to dent the energy, with spontaneous Argentinian futbol songs breaking out among scrums of fans.
    — Matias Ocner, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Instead of limiting where an electric bike can go, its folding design creates more opportunities to ride, making spontaneous adventures easier than ever while still providing the comfort needed for longer distances.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • Repetition and positive reinforcement build instinctive responses, reduce human error and amplify security culture.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The rookie is an instinctive playmaker who has a knack for creating turnovers.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of instinctive
Adjective
  • It’s equipped with about 20 feet (6 meters) of solar panels and a trio of robotic arms designed to grab Swift.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • The nation has put people on the moon, helped build and operate a long-running space station in low Earth orbit (LEO) and sent fleets of robotic explorers to many corners of the solar system — and even beyond it, into interstellar space.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of robotic
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • Small Holes One sign of snakes in your garden could be the sudden appearance of small holes that could be about the size of a small coin, or up to two inches.
    — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
Definition of sudden
Adjective
  • Thankfully, a mechanic shop was a short drive away.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 28 June 2026
  • Smoke invades their businesses, even their sleep Inside MV Automotive at East Olympic Boulevard and Alma Avenue, Manny Villasenor, whose father owns the mechanic shop, said the smoke had forced him to close earlier.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Definition of mechanic

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knee-jerk
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Cite this Entry

“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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