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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Recent Examples of instinct
The instinct towards respect was still in there, like concrete beneath asphalt.
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Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
But his instinct is that the deeper mathematical description of nature from which space-time emerges will touch all of physics in some way, even with the mildest of ripples.
—Charlie Wood, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
To make a $20 couch possible, the industry’s basest instincts are baked into every aspect of production, as Shawn Bhimani, an assistant professor at Northeastern in supply-chain and information management, told Fast Company.
—Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Nov. 2024
The latter would be a risky choice indeed: Technology that changes nature also threatens humankind and human instincts.
—Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instinct 
Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
But his instinct is that the deeper mathematical description of nature from which space-time emerges will touch all of physics in some way, even with the mildest of ripples.
—Charlie Wood, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
To make a $20 couch possible, the industry’s basest instincts are baked into every aspect of production, as Shawn Bhimani, an assistant professor at Northeastern in supply-chain and information management, told Fast Company.
—Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Nov. 2024
The latter would be a risky choice indeed: Technology that changes nature also threatens humankind and human instincts.
—Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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Looking elegantly windblown in a sweater, her mass of hair cascading like the precious garland of some Irish deity, Farrow has a tendency to trail off in conversation.Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
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There was a tendency in the local scene toward one-upmanship in terms of how many cylinders a builder could wedge into these machines, and at some point Whitelock decided to take the idea to its logical conclusion and end the arms race once and for all.New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Lynch even started his own foundation to share the skill with others struggling with trauma and toxic stress.Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
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Boxing classes can be a healthy way to help relieve stress, while also growing confidence in self-defense skills.Carolyn Burt, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Smullen’s inclinations here reek of resentment rather than a healthier competitiveness that would drive him to bring a solid case against his main suspect.Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
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Although the natural inclination is to think of a marathon as something done on foot, or by people who are known as ambulatory, the NYC Marathon does have a program for the race that’s inclusive of wheelchair users.Steven Aquino, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
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The state’s moderate Republican Gov. Chris Sununu has held the legislature back from some of its most extreme impulses, including vetoing congressional redistricting plans that would have benefited Republicans (though allowing some lopsided state legislative maps to go into effect).Cooper Burton, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024
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Divided power should, in theory, serve as a check on the worst impulses of each political party.Bill Stone, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Engaging in self-reflection: Demonstrating self-awareness and humility, recognizing the impact of your dispositions and behaviors on the well-being of your team.Julie Kratz, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024
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Who's got four paws, a sunny disposition and loves fetching balls?Yacob Reyes, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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