as in tendency
a usually innate ability or desire to perform a specific activity
Pouncing on mice is a cat's natural instinct. We needed all of our survival instincts to make it through the weeks lost at sea.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instinct
As the smallest player on the court, 5-foot-6 sophomore guard Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian High still makes the greatest impact with her skills, intellect and instincts.
—
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Image The two men could hardly be less alike: Mr. Starmer, disciplined and reserved, with left-wing political roots; Mr. Trump, impulsive and expansive, with habits and instincts that shade into the regal.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
They're also known to help others, showcasing quick reaction times and keen instincts.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
The 61-year-old actor, in a interview with AARP The Magazine for their April/May 2025 cover story, revealed a candid admission about his fatherly instincts, with good intentions, of course.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Image The two men could hardly be less alike: Mr. Starmer, disciplined and reserved, with left-wing political roots; Mr. Trump, impulsive and expansive, with habits and instincts that shade into the regal.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
They're also known to help others, showcasing quick reaction times and keen instincts.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
The 61-year-old actor, in a interview with AARP The Magazine for their April/May 2025 cover story, revealed a candid admission about his fatherly instincts, with good intentions, of course.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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This inherent human tendency, which already harms people and society in an analog setting, is exacerbated by the circumstances of today's world.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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It's thought that morning people act with more awareness because of their tendency to sleep better and have less fatigue or inattention.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In a video shared on Thursday, March 20, the Queen of Power Ballads showed off her golf skills, hitting a drive-off a tee during an outing with her sons René-Charles, Nelson and Eddy.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
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All four reports were critical of the more liberal education policies of the 1960s and 1970s – such as an emphasis on student feelings about race, for example, rather than a focus on basic skills.—
Fred L. Pincus,
The Conversation,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The report cites a growing consumer inclination toward advanced lip care solutions, and effective alternatives to traditional lip balms and glosses.—
Dahvi Shira,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
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But several other populist Trump allies who have shown no inclination to leave power have made their judiciaries a central target.—
Graham Underwood,
arkansasonline.com,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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And his impulse was to build a show that felt purposely aimless.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
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The impulses of the neurons essentially impact this simulated world.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Even the departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid did little to dim sunny dispositions in the blue half of Manchester, not least as his sale brought in world football’s biggest fee of the window — £64m ($83m), potentially rising to £81m.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
The Athletic,
19 Mar. 2025
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Per the Association bylaws, there are limitations on the board’s powers in the acquisition of real property or for the sale, mortgage or other disposition of any real property.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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