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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of knee-jerk
Investigate the facts, adjust as needed and avoid knee-jerk reactions.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Pundits with knee-jerk reactions against President Trump's proposal need to ask, why should John Deere receive special treatment for outsourcing production?
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Her injury had become a burden on the group, and so Katie’s [ahem] knee-jerk response to Steve’s mistake was to try and absorb all of that inconvenience.
—Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
Most people don’t actually think this through when making knee-jerk reactions based on emotions.
—Steve Booren, The Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knee-jerk 
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Pundits with knee-jerk reactions against President Trump's proposal need to ask, why should John Deere receive special treatment for outsourcing production?
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Her injury had become a burden on the group, and so Katie’s [ahem] knee-jerk response to Steve’s mistake was to try and absorb all of that inconvenience.
—Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
Most people don’t actually think this through when making knee-jerk reactions based on emotions.
—Steve Booren, The Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk
Adjective
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Submitting an application that doesn’t follow their specific requirements can result in automatic rejection.Melissa Houston, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
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However, instead of adding this plan to its retirement savings lineup, the tech giant used it to replace its 5% 401(k) match and 1% automatic contribution.Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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For one thing, markets had not significantly anticipated a Trump win in 2016, and indeed there was a reflex selloff on election night, which quickly reversed.Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2024
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Based on the title character from the Netflix show Vida the Vet, this kit contains five sensory toys for treating patients, including a stethoscope with sound effects and reflex hammer.Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The heart, for example, contains an internal network of neurons that can regulate electrical and mechanical activity even when the organ has been removed from the body.Jon Hamilton, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024
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With vehicles evolving from mechanical machines to complex technological platforms equipped with advanced software and connectivity features, collaboration between automotive manufacturers and technology firms is essential.Amaan Kazi, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Again, a sequel followed, with 2010's Little Fockers seeing Greg and wife Pam (Teri Polo) juggle looking after their five-year-old twins with a spontaneous visit from the in-laws.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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Brands that simplify checkout by integrating flexible payment options, mobile-friendly interfaces, and quick-fill capabilities are able to capture these spontaneous purchases, driving up conversion rates and maximizing the impact of influencer campaigns.Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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In other words, the best answer is the one that comes straight from our heart and reflects our honest, intuitive, and instinctive views on their questions.Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
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The famed star never had a career plan, preferring to be more instinctive instead.Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Make the response personal, avoiding corporate language or robotic phrases.Jodie Cook, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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The robotic explorer will investigate the oldest rocks on Mars to uncover more about the planet’s mysterious past.Ashley Strickland, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
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At the time, Variety reported the sudden move was likely a way for Warner Bros. Discovery to cut streaming-content costs.Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Harroun installed it with a bracket above the dashboard rather than have a mechanic ride in the race with him, as was the custom of the day.George Petras, USA TODAY, 24 May 2024
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When Part 4 was released in August 2023, mechanic Bennie was losing his garage.Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Apr. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near knee-jerk
Cite this Entry
“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
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