as in overambitiousness
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Recent Examples of killer instinct
The slick shooting, killer instinct, and trash talk combined to create the greatest scorer in WNBA history.
—
Zach Harper, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Before his passing, Kobe Bryant would routinely mention Taurasi as the most polished player in women’s hoops and praise her killer instinct.
—Shane Young, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Until the Rangers acquire a killer instinct and a desire to crush their opponents no cup is going to be at the end of the rainbow.
—Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
The Avs lost some of the killer instinct and became more passive, looking for pretty plays instead of simple shots against a beleaguered Blues squad.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Zach Harper, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Before his passing, Kobe Bryant would routinely mention Taurasi as the most polished player in women’s hoops and praise her killer instinct.
—Shane Young, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Until the Rangers acquire a killer instinct and a desire to crush their opponents no cup is going to be at the end of the rainbow.
—Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
The Avs lost some of the killer instinct and became more passive, looking for pretty plays instead of simple shots against a beleaguered Blues squad.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct
Noun
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Potatoes also act as a thickener; potato starch is good for thickening sauces or dressings.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
26 Mar. 2025
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While a blend of potato starch and water (2 tablespoons each) can replace an egg in cooking and baking during the eight-day celebration.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Expect grit, drama — and probably some snow metaphors.—
Julia Ranney,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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College admissions officers actively seek students who demonstrate grit—the ability to persevere through setbacks.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Like things could change for the better if only a few teenagers with the right balance of spunk and smarts showed up.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
18 Mar. 2025
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Think of Usher’s costume-leaning spunk, Erykah Badu’s eccentricity, Teyana Taylor’s punk sensibility, Lauryn Hill’s just-go-for-it attitude, and Gunna who is experimental at times.—
Julian Randall,
Essence,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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As for the decorative changes, some were straightforward, while others required at least a little gumption.—
Chad Jennings,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
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Or, rather, how many players in Murillo’s position would ever have the wit and gumption to try to pull it off?—
Daniel Taylor,
The Athletic,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Yes, Republicans have been getting an earful from their districts, but those skirmishes are going to look perfectly benign compared to what a vindictive Trump could unleash for lawmakers who show too much pluck.—
Philip Elliott,
TIME,
25 Feb. 2025
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In 2015, an exceedingly polite, marmalade-slurping fellow in a floppy felt hat and blue duffel coat arrived in theaters and offered an uplifting story about tolerance and pluck.—
Brooks Barnes,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Over the past quarter-century, those songs and the one-of-a-kind spirit that produced them became a guiding beacon of artistic integrity and inspiring non-conformity.—
Jonathan Bernstein,
Rolling Stone,
3 Apr. 2025
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Opened in July 2024, India’s second Raffles location makes a dramatic first impression, which perfectly captures the spirit of this city known for its ornate palaces and forts.—
Jennifer Flowers,
AFAR Media,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Posen’s tenure at Gap really begins with his new initiative, a premium line called GapStudio, which promises a luxury (or maybe at least premium) product to the standard Gap line that we’re used to.—
Aamina Inayat Khan,
StyleCaster,
10 Apr. 2025
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The six-year initiative, ending in November 2025, aims to shed light on the possible timeframes during which Mars might have been warm and wet, covered in glaciers, and maybe even suitable for life.—
Jonathan O’Callaghan,
JSTOR Daily,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Country Montessori School is dedicated to sparking each child’s self-reliance, empathy, and resilience.—
Jose Bolanos,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
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By implementing reciprocal tariffs, President Trump is trying to level the playing field and generate revenue for the government while signaling a move away from globalization toward economic self-reliance.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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