SPONTANEOUS Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'spontaneous' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of spontaneous are automatic , impulsive , instinctive , and mechanical . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

Q: In what contexts can 'automatic' take the place of 'spontaneous'?

The meanings of automatic and spontaneous largely overlap; however, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

Q: When is it sensible to use 'impulsive' instead of 'spontaneous'?

In some situations, the words impulsive and spontaneous are roughly equivalent. However, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment. // impulsive acts of violence

Q: When could 'instinctive' be used to replace 'spontaneous'?

The synonyms instinctive and spontaneous are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will. // blinking is an instinctive reaction

Q: Where would 'mechanical' be a reasonable alternative to 'spontaneous'?

The words mechanical and spontaneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

spontaneous

adjective

spän-ˈtā-nē-əs

Definition of spontaneous next

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision recoiling when a wasp is near is simply a spontaneous reaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word spontaneous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of spontaneous are automatic, impulsive, instinctive, and mechanical. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

In what contexts can automatic take the place of spontaneous?

The meanings of automatic and spontaneous largely overlap; however, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When is it sensible to use impulsive instead of spontaneous?

In some situations, the words impulsive and spontaneous are roughly equivalent. However, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When could instinctive be used to replace spontaneous?

The synonyms instinctive and spontaneous are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

Where would mechanical be a reasonable alternative to spontaneous?

The words mechanical and spontaneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of spontaneous In the meantime, Venus in Aquarius invites you to spice things up — maybe an unconventional date night or a spontaneous trip to ring in the new year. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024 But he may best be remembered for a spontaneous act of frustration on Oct. 3, 2023: slamming down the gavel in the House after he had been named the temporary successor to McCarthy, his close ally and friend. —

Scott Wong, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2024 Also be sure to take a look at grocery bills and the tendency to add spontaneous purchases that can add up, Jenkin said. —

Lorie Konish, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for spontaneous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spontaneous

Adjective

Update any automatic payments with your new card number.

Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
The software utilizes a person’s Expected Movement Record and other data sources—such as visa data, profiles, in-country events, and API/PNR data—to issue automatic risk assessment scores for each traveler.

Caitlin Chandler, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025