automatic 1 of 2

automatic

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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
Another perk is automatic enrollment in IHG One Rewards at the platinum elite level; this would otherwise require spending 40 nights at IHG properties. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2025 It’s known for its comprehensive services across electrical contracting, automatic standby generators, gas and propane work, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Jon Stojan, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Noun
In the car world, automatics are practical and simple for the majority of commuting drivers, but enthusiasts often prefer the extra control and involvement of a clutch and a stick-shift. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for automatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic
Adjective
  • Speciale is a twin-turbo V-6 engine that, combined with an electric motor, makes 867 mechanical horsepower.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 16 June 2025
  • Modern vehicles aren’t just mechanical marvels anymore—they’re software platforms on wheels.
    John Ellis, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • State law now largely allows automated speed cameras around parks and schools but not on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • With users’ permission, the system pulls from past emails to see how a user writes and suggests automated responses that reflect that person’s tone and style.
    Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Pictures of bullets from the scene were also consistent with machine guns used by the IDF as they can be mounted on tanks, according to the news outlet.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 June 2025
  • In November 2020, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, viewed by many as the chief architect of Iran's nuclear program, was slain in a remote-control machine gun attack in Iran that has been widely attributed to Israel.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • From Fingerlings to Founding A Healthcare Brand Fingerlings, released in 2017 by toy manufacturer WowWee, are small robotic figures, originally styled to resemble monkeys tiny enough to wrap their arms around a finger.
    Joan Verdon, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Rather than relying on harnesses or wearables, which many seniors find cumbersome or stigmatizing, E-BAR operates as a set of robotic handlebars that follow users from behind.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • One casing is a 9mm caliber, likely a pistol, or a machine pistol or a submachine gun, Weir said.
    Mohammad Al Sawalhi, CNN, 26 June 2024
  • Prosecutors said police found two weapons in the getaway car when the men were detained on a highway about 50 kilometers (30 miles) outside Amsterdam, a Heckler and Koch machine pistol and, in a Louis Vuitton bag, a blank-firing pistol that had been modified to take 9-millimeter rounds.
    MIKE CORDER, ajc, 18 Oct. 2021
Adjective
  • The Loewe Grand inicio is a powerful two-way speaker with a bass reflex system and is available as a floor-standing speaker.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The 24-year-old, who fired an AR-15-style assault rifle from a rooftop into the parade’s crowd, is expected to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The assault rifle that was allegedly going to be used to carry out the murder.
    Dennis Romero, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The digital nomad trend is growing and maturing Gen Z’s approach to location independence is less spontaneous and more strategic.
    Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • In a completely spontaneous decision, Flom sat down and got one of his ears pierced with a sparkling stud, and Haven’s reaction was priceless.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 15 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automatic. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on automatic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!