as in tendencies
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 instincts
Primarily a box-to-box midfielder with a relentless engine and combative instincts, Gomez demonstrated his eye for goal with a spectacular effort past Alisson to earn Paraguay their first victory over Brazil in 16 years in a World Cup qualifier in October.
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Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Driven by his instincts, Fok begins to dig deeper into the case, uncovering a labyrinthine conspiracy that threads through Hong Kong’s criminal underworld and its upper echelons of power.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
In tight 180-degree uphill turns that require some advanced maneuvers - or a dismount - the Mustang’s motorcycle-type twist throttle and my off-road motorcycle riding instincts nicely meshed.
—William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
With countless parenting styles and approaches out there, there's no one-size-fits-all method to raising kids, so trust your instincts.
—Libby Ryan, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024
These dogs are known for their size, strength, and protective instincts, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Pearse’s long-term clients say his instincts are still spot-on, and his pieces become staples for life.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 20 Dec. 2024
Sorry, but those are not instincts that Democratic voters are going to be interested in trusting again four years from now.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Chery also credits Lamar’s shrewd strategy and instincts as what got the better of Drake.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024
Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Driven by his instincts, Fok begins to dig deeper into the case, uncovering a labyrinthine conspiracy that threads through Hong Kong’s criminal underworld and its upper echelons of power.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
In tight 180-degree uphill turns that require some advanced maneuvers - or a dismount - the Mustang’s motorcycle-type twist throttle and my off-road motorcycle riding instincts nicely meshed.
—William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
With countless parenting styles and approaches out there, there's no one-size-fits-all method to raising kids, so trust your instincts.
—Libby Ryan, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024
These dogs are known for their size, strength, and protective instincts, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Pearse’s long-term clients say his instincts are still spot-on, and his pieces become staples for life.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 20 Dec. 2024
Sorry, but those are not instincts that Democratic voters are going to be interested in trusting again four years from now.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Chery also credits Lamar’s shrewd strategy and instincts as what got the better of Drake.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instincts
Noun
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But his theory seemed to mirror the temperament of Deng, who, for all his reformist tendencies, was a ruthless apparatchik.Chang Che, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024
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Ball-stoppers rarely align with the principles of winning basketball, and Randle’s tendencies are as entrenched as ever.Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Set in 1705 during the reign of Queen Anne, the series stars Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) as Nell Jackson, widowed and possessed of occasional supernatural skills whenever someone threatens her, courtesy of a fairy sprite named Billy Blind (Nick Mohammed).Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024
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One requirement for anyone who has joined the cast, aside from drumming skills, has been expressive eyes and body language that can fill in for the wordlessness.Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Bottega Veneta became a mainstay in the global fashion industry due to the designer’s creative inclinations and his striking campaigns.Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024
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Einstein’s first inclinations about the idea can also be found in his letters to Marić.Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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With its advent are chased from our minds unholy impulses, and in their stead reign supreme and golden fruitings of the present, and the diamond seedings of the great future.Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Dec. 2024
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Most social media platforms have stepped back from aggressive moderation in general — leaving users’ impulses unchecked.Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near instincts
Cite this Entry
“Instincts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instincts. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
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