INSTINCTIVE Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of instinctive are automatic , impulsive , mechanical , and spontaneous . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will. // blinking is an instinctive reaction

Q: When is 'automatic' a more appropriate choice than 'instinctive'?

In some situations, the words automatic and instinctive are roughly equivalent. However, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

Q: When might 'impulsive' be a better fit than 'instinctive'?

The meanings of impulsive and instinctive largely overlap; however, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment. // impulsive acts of violence

Q: In what contexts can 'mechanical' take the place of 'instinctive'?

The words mechanical and instinctive can be used in similar contexts, but mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

Q: Where would 'spontaneous' be a reasonable alternative to 'instinctive'?

While the synonyms spontaneous and instinctive are close in meaning, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

instinctive

adjective

in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv

Definition of instinctive next

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision the instinctive reaction of a mother is to protect her children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word instinctive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of instinctive are automatic, impulsive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When is automatic a more appropriate choice than instinctive?

In some situations, the words automatic and instinctive are roughly equivalent. However, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When might impulsive be a better fit than instinctive?

The meanings of impulsive and instinctive largely overlap; however, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

In what contexts can mechanical take the place of instinctive?

The words mechanical and instinctive can be used in similar contexts, but mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

Where would spontaneous be a reasonable alternative to instinctive?

While the synonyms spontaneous and instinctive are close in meaning, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

Examples 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 instinctive A little embarrassed by the hope that rippled inside him, his instinctive search for that elusive bond, Sig returned the hug briefly and clapped the older man on the back. —

Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024 With each day, the boy’s instinctive interest in natural history transcended his childish thirst for adventure. —

Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024 Das’s approach to filmmaking remains deeply personal and instinctive. —

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024 An instinctive social observer, the lensman’s retrospective features royals, A-listers, artists, authors and other power brokers at ease and at work. —

Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instinctive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive

Adjective

State lawmakers recently expanded the threshold to trigger an automatic recount.

Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
According to Michigan law, an automatic recount is triggered in statewide races if the margin between the top two candidates is 2,000 votes or less.

Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024