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

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Recent Examples of instinctive There does seem to be something instinctive between these two relative strangers sitting in a photo studio on a dank, autumn afternoon deep in west London. —

Olivia Marks, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2025 The other two have come from Eze, whose second of the season was an instinctive, excellent finish to win Sunday’s game against Southampton 2-1 at Selhurst Park. —

Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 Such moments highlight the kind of instinctive leadership responses necessary for navigating uncertainty, whether on a stage or in today’s high-pressure environments. —

Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 The collection represents my father’s instinctive ability to identify and connect with greatness. —

Thania Garcia, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instinctive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive

Adjective

Update any automatic payments with your new card number.

Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
Ensure it is turned on in the Play Store settings for automatic protection.

Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025