killer instinct
noun
: an aggressive tenacious urge for domination in a struggle to attain a set goal
Examples of killer instinct in a Sentence
Her killer instincts have helped her become one of the top tennis players in the world.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20instinct. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share