as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
a colleague known for her knee-jerk rejection of any proposal that she didn't originate
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Recent Examples of knee-jerk
Listen to signals, but don't succumb to knee-jerk reactions.
—
Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
A lot of this is knee-jerk excuse-making, and the pendulum will swing back somewhat over the course of Trump’s second term.
—Bill Goodykoontz, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024
Ocean shipping stocks hit on market fears of trade decline
The knee-jerk reaction in shares of ocean carriers, was negative, with a big slump led by Maersk, even though consumer demand remains strong in the U.S. and frontloading of imports would raise ocean rates, at least in the short-term.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
Investigate the facts, adjust as needed and avoid knee-jerk reactions.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knee-jerk 
Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
A lot of this is knee-jerk excuse-making, and the pendulum will swing back somewhat over the course of Trump’s second term.
—Bill Goodykoontz, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024
Ocean shipping stocks hit on market fears of trade decline
The knee-jerk reaction in shares of ocean carriers, was negative, with a big slump led by Maersk, even though consumer demand remains strong in the U.S. and frontloading of imports would raise ocean rates, at least in the short-term.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
Investigate the facts, adjust as needed and avoid knee-jerk reactions.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk
Adjective
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This was a standout for any time of day as a medium bodied brew, subtly sweet with virtually no bitterness or acidity via my automatic OXO 8-cup machine or my Hario V60 pour over.Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 1 Jan. 2025
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Move To Norway From Europe Citizens of EU/EEA countries have an automatic right to live and work in Norway.David Nikel, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This decline affects the delicate balance of tear production, contributing to symptoms like irritation, blurred vision and even reflex tearing.Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Dec. 2024
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This is made up of a module rocking a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter, 2.75-inch woofer with a fiberglass diaphragm and a 990-cc sound chamber at the front left and right, plus bass reflex porting to the edge.New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Another plane of the same model, experienced a mechanical malfunction on Monday morning.David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
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Founded by Benjamin Clymer in 2008, the site had evolved into an influential platform for the world of mechanical watchmaking and included a magazine, a brand partnerships division, and an insurance business.Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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So next time, be open to the idea that maybe date night isn’t candlelit dinners but spontaneous hikes.Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
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In recounting her spontaneous adventure, Marsh emphasizes the importance of gratitude and adaptability—the two qualities that helped her through.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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High-speed video of experiments on a robotic hula hooper, whose hourglass form holds the hoop up and in place.Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2025
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There appears to be an unofficial robotic space race underway involving the Red Planet.Leonard David, Space.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Symptoms include sudden sharp, tearing, or ripping chest pain that radiates to the shoulder blades, back, abdomen, and hips.26 6.Lindsay Curtis, Health, 31 Dec. 2024
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And yet, all of a sudden, there was the commotion typical of when a manager walks into a room deep in a stadium as reporters rush to put their phones on the desk and stumble awkwardly, laptops half-cocked, back to their seats.James Horncastle, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Harroun installed it with a bracket above the dashboard rather than have a mechanic ride in the race with him, as was the custom of the day.George Petras, USA TODAY, 24 May 2024
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When Part 4 was released in August 2023, mechanic Bennie was losing his garage.Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Apr. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near knee-jerk
Cite this Entry
“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
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