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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knee-jerk
Investors should resist the urge for the knee-jerk reaction of selling.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Today's knee-jerk volatility is not capturing the full picture with China closed.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
For Teens, Saving Each Other From Social Media Is a Team Effort
Still, critics say the social media age restriction was a knee-jerk reaction passed without proper consultation, involves thorny data-privacy issues, and creates even more risks for youngsters who use platforms illicitly.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Investors should resist the urge for the knee-jerk reaction of selling.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Today's knee-jerk volatility is not capturing the full picture with China closed.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
For Teens, Saving Each Other From Social Media Is a Team Effort
Still, critics say the social media age restriction was a knee-jerk reaction passed without proper consultation, involves thorny data-privacy issues, and creates even more risks for youngsters who use platforms illicitly.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Investors should resist the urge for the knee-jerk reaction of selling.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk
Adjective
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This opens up the possibility of Wycombe either clinching automatic promotion before their two rivals play, or the door being prised open for either Wrexham or Charlton to nip through and set up a nerve-wracking final day.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
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Congress tried to address this issue by passing the Child Citizenship Act in 2000, which grants automatic citizenship to international adoptees.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But ultimately, the week ended with a pretty good array of extremes in selling pressure and hedging demand of the sort that should turn the risk-reward more favorable for a reflex bounce before too long.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
5 Apr. 2025
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The reflex reaction would be to suggest that without Stiller and Goretzka, Germany lost control in midfield.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2025
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In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers due to mechanical failures, pilot errors, or collisions, resulting in 20 fatalities.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Emerging from the city's urban landscape, his art is characterized by spontaneous compositions of pattern and form, often evolving through layers of spray paint, ink, and acrylic.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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Both edibles offer fresh garnishes for daily use or spontaneous hosting.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The biggest concern about Brooks and Dodson is the fact both are more weak-side linebackers (coverage specialists) than instinctive run stuffers.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
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But the more instinctive finishes are not falling for him either.—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Elon Musk's company launched its 32nd robotic resupply mission to the ISS for NASA early Monday morning (April 21), sending a Dragon freighter aloft from Florida's Space Coast.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Your next half-marathon could be getting some robotic flair.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Several conditions may cause sudden vision loss, such as an eye injury.—
Heidi Cope,
Health,
19 Apr. 2025
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All of a sudden, something that was a huge source of joy in my grandparents’ life became a challenge.—
Katie Akin,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Home in foreclosure, a mobile mechanic Online records show that his Canby Street home was in foreclosure last year and sold in September for $60,000.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
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