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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knee-jerk
Much like the lawman drowning his sorrows in alcohol, a robber named Robbie with Robin Hood-like tendencies may trigger some knee-jerk skepticism from viewers wary of reductive tropes.
—
Alison Herman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Stocks soared while Treasury yields plummeted on the news as the knee-jerk reaction took hold for a rate reduction when the Federal Open Market Committee issues its next decision on Sept. 17.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
Instead of a knee-jerk rejection of France's diplomatic initiative, Israel should better use it and subsequent announcements to its advantage to bolster Israel's national security and international standing.
—Ami Ayalon, Time, 18 Aug. 2025
Don’t make knee-jerk transfers Player prices fluctuate greatly at the start of the season as millions of FPL managers jump on early bandwagons.
—Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Alison Herman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Stocks soared while Treasury yields plummeted on the news as the knee-jerk reaction took hold for a rate reduction when the Federal Open Market Committee issues its next decision on Sept. 17.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
Instead of a knee-jerk rejection of France's diplomatic initiative, Israel should better use it and subsequent announcements to its advantage to bolster Israel's national security and international standing.
—Ami Ayalon, Time, 18 Aug. 2025
Don’t make knee-jerk transfers Player prices fluctuate greatly at the start of the season as millions of FPL managers jump on early bandwagons.
—Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk
Adjective
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Start by placing a $10 bet with this Fanatics Sportsbook promo code offer to score an automatic $100 in FanCash.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Marsee’s double off Patrick Corbin (7-10) drove home automatic runner Agustin Ramirez with the lead run.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The reflex trade was a textbook Fed-easing play to rotate out of big, expensive growth stocks and into lower-quality, more cyclical small-caps and financials .—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
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There are varying depths of coma, however, and some people may still have some reflex responses.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Rather than employ mechanical changes to his swing, the Twins thought moving free and easy would simply allow Jenkins to attack more of the zone.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
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While quartz has served the industry well for decades, its sensitivity to environmental conditions, mechanical stress and aging presents challenges in demanding applications.—
Markus Lutz,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The most successful events of the next decade will be those that create authentic environments for spontaneous human interaction.—
Shawn Pierce,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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While clogged arteries are still the most common cause of heart attacks overall, seldom understood catalysts have put women at a higher risk, including spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), anemia and infections.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While Rosie may have had her own unique reason, most canines dig for some very practical—or instinctive—purposes.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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Each motion of his swing, once dissected, felt mechanical rather than instinctive.—
Zach Sweet,
Kansas City Star,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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New rides like this one can cost $100 million, if not more, to create; incorporate LiDAR laser systems of the kind used on self-driving cars; and rely on robotic figures with thousands of moving parts.—
Bianca Bosker,
The Atlantic,
14 Sep. 2025
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Surprising to see also are the robotic milking machines the farm has invested in that help streamline milk production.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
20 Sep. 2025
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The sudden collapse of that system could trigger a violent scramble for territory and resources, destabilizing any transition.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Kreider is refreshed to be teaching young folks who are engaged in mechanic work.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
19 Sep. 2025
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The man was working at a mechanic shop in the 4300 block of Eden Road in Kennedale.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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