AUTOMATIC Synonyms: 147 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of automatic are impulsive , instinctive , mechanical , and spontaneous . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

Q: Where would 'impulsive' be a reasonable alternative to 'automatic'?

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

Q: When could 'instinctive' be used to replace 'automatic'?

The words instinctive and automatic can be used in similar contexts, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will. // blinking is an instinctive reaction

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

In some situations, the words mechanical and automatic are roughly equivalent. However, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

Q: When is it sensible to use 'spontaneous' instead of 'automatic'?

The meanings of spontaneous and automatic largely overlap; however, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

automatic 1 of 2

adjective

ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik

Definition of automatic next

as in mechanical

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision Carl's automatic use of the brakes narrowly averted a collision

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in automated

designed to replace or decrease human labor and especially physical labor liked the ease of an automatic floor cleaner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

automatic

2 of 2

noun

as in machine gun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word automatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of automatic are impulsive, instinctive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

Where would impulsive be a reasonable alternative to automatic?

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

impulsive acts of violence

When could instinctive be used to replace automatic?

The words instinctive and automatic can be used in similar contexts, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When would mechanical be a good substitute for automatic?

In some situations, the words mechanical and automatic are roughly equivalent. However, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When is it sensible to use spontaneous instead of automatic?

The meanings of spontaneous and automatic largely overlap; however, 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 automatic

Adjective

Those guidelines include providing alt text on images so that people with visual impairments who use automatic readers can understand images, offering audio descriptions for people with hearing disabilities, and making all websites operable by keyboard for users who can’t use a conventional mouse. —

Kevin Collier, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025 Thirty-six of Trump's Republican allies in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday separately introduced legislation to restrict automatic citizenship to only children born to citizens or lawful permanent residents. —

Nate Raymond and Dan Catchpole, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025

Noun

For Prime Day there are a couple De’Longhi Magnifica models, the brand’s entry-level super automatics, on big sales. —

Noah Kaufman, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2024 However, the delay doesn’t change the outcome: The CFP will shift the access format from six automatic qualifiers and six at-large bids to five automatics and seven at-larges. —

Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for automatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic

Adjective

At an early age, Melvin was learning about mechanical and chemical engineering through family activities with his parents who were school teachers.

— Anna Halkidis, Parents, 4 Feb. 2025
Those concerned with historical accuracy won’t love this change, though the developer clearly designed the leaders to have some mechanical synergy with historically appropriate civilizations; these pairings are even given special labeling in the civilization-selection screen.

— Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2025