MECHANICAL Synonyms: 171 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"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unnatural

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality a somewhat mechanical vocal performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 This robot vacuum/mop hybrid can sense, pick up, and put away your stray socks using its mechanical arm, marking an industry shift from object avoidance technology to object removal technology. —

Pcmag Staff, PCMAG, 9 Jan. 2025 Founded by Benjamin Clymer in 2008, the site had evolved into an influential platform for the world of mechanical watchmaking and included a magazine, a brand partnerships division, and an insurance business. —

Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024 Another plane of the same model, experienced a mechanical malfunction on Monday morning. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 Yet, each iteration brought new advancements, transforming CUE from a simple mechanical shooter into a sophisticated humanoid robot. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mechanical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanical

Adjective

The software utilizes a person’s Expected Movement Record and other data sources—such as visa data, profiles, in-country events, and API/PNR data—to issue automatic risk assessment scores for each traveler.

Caitlin Chandler, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025
Update any automatic payments with your new card number.

Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025