AUTOMATIC Synonyms: 147 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of automatic are impulsive , instinctive , mechanical , and spontaneous . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

Q: Where would 'impulsive' be a reasonable alternative to 'automatic'?

While the synonyms impulsive and automatic are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment. // impulsive acts of violence

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

The words instinctive and automatic can be used in similar contexts, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will. // blinking is an instinctive reaction

Q: When would 'mechanical' be a good substitute for 'automatic'?

In some situations, the words mechanical and automatic are roughly equivalent. However, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

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

The meanings of spontaneous and automatic largely overlap; however, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

automatic 1 of 2

adjective

ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik

Definition of automatic next

as in mechanical

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision Carl's automatic use of the brakes narrowly averted a collision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in automated

designed to replace or decrease human labor and especially physical labor liked the ease of an automatic floor cleaner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

automatic

2 of 2

noun

as in machine gun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word automatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of automatic are impulsive, instinctive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

Where would impulsive be a reasonable alternative to automatic?

While the synonyms impulsive and automatic are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When could instinctive be used to replace automatic?

The words instinctive and automatic can be used in similar contexts, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When would mechanical be a good substitute for automatic?

In some situations, the words mechanical and automatic are roughly equivalent. However, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When is it sensible to use spontaneous instead of automatic?

The meanings of spontaneous and automatic largely overlap; however, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

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 automatic

Adjective

The loss deprived San José State from claiming the conference’s automatic bid to the 64-team NCAA tournament, which could have extended the controversy centered on the team’s transgender player. —

Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024 Think dual spinning mops along with automatic washing and drying post-cleanup. —

Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

Noun

However, the delay doesn’t change the outcome: The CFP will shift the access format from six automatic qualifiers and six at-large bids to five automatics and seven at-larges. —

Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2024 There were, at most, two automatics on the pad at any time for as many as twenty people, so real practice behind the wheel was quite limited, as few of us knew how to operate the pad’s two manual trucks. —

Emily Gogolak, Harper's Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for automatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic

Adjective

The heart, for example, contains an internal network of neurons that can regulate electrical and mechanical activity even when the organ has been removed from the body.

Jon Hamilton, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024
With vehicles evolving from mechanical machines to complex technological platforms equipped with advanced software and connectivity features, collaboration between automotive manufacturers and technology firms is essential.

Amaan Kazi, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024