MECHANICAL Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of mechanical are automatic , impulsive , instinctive , and spontaneous . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

Q: When might 'automatic' be a better fit than 'mechanical'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mechanical , automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

Q: When would 'impulsive' be a good substitute for 'mechanical'?

While the synonyms impulsive and mechanical are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment. // impulsive acts of violence

Q: When can 'instinctive' be used instead of 'mechanical'?

The synonyms instinctive and mechanical are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will. // blinking is an instinctive reaction

Q: When is 'spontaneous' a more appropriate choice than 'mechanical'?

Although the words spontaneous and mechanical have much in common, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

mechanical

adjective

mi-ˈka-ni-kəl

Definition of mechanical next

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision the waiter's mechanical reply of "Everything on the menu is good"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unnatural

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality a somewhat mechanical vocal performance

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word mechanical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mechanical are automatic, impulsive, instinctive, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When might automatic be a better fit than mechanical?

While in some cases nearly identical to mechanical, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When would impulsive be a good substitute for mechanical?

While the synonyms impulsive and mechanical are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When can instinctive be used instead of mechanical?

The synonyms instinctive and mechanical are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When is spontaneous a more appropriate choice than mechanical?

Although the words spontaneous and mechanical have much in common, 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 mechanical Abuelsamid also called out the aforementioned new Rivians, which place mechanical pulls next to electronic ones inside for front seat passengers. —

Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026 While there are mechanical releases inside Teslas, many owners and passengers are unfamiliar with where they’re located or how to operate them. —

Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 In December, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a defect investigation into the Tesla Model 3 over concerns that the vehicles’ interior mechanical door release is unlabeled and not intuitive to locate during an emergency. —

Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026 Combine crop rotation with mechanical barriers such as floating row covers and other natural pest control measures. —

Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mechanical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanical

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

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mechanic

mechanical

mechanics

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

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of mechanical

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