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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 of mechanical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Actin is a protein that, among other functions, provides mechanical support and determines cell shape. New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024 For gamers, the Corsair K70 RGB Pro mechanical keyboard, featuring Cherry MX switches and customizable RGB lighting, is 38% off—a must-have for esports enthusiasts. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 14 Aug. 2024 The council on Wednesday voted to allow the Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Co. to suspend all of its services amid peak season and have Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry conduct all trips during the timeframe as the Star Line fleet faces significant mechanical and operational concerns. Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 14 Aug. 2024 The mechanism relies on direct mechanical extraction, without the use of chemicals. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mechanical 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mechanical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near mechanical

Cite this Entry

“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanical. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on mechanical

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