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

Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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

Enable automatic updates for macOS, Android and your apps to stay protected without having to manually check for updates. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025 While modern building standards dictate that living spaces like the Independence apartment building that burned in January — killing a family of four and displacing a swath of residents — have automatic sprinklers, that structure was not required to have them, Independence city officials said. —

Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2025

Noun

For Prime Day there are a couple De’Longhi Magnifica models, the brand’s entry-level super automatics, on big sales. —

Noah Kaufman, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for automatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic

Adjective

As the final stage began, Austin Hill experienced a mechanical issue with leaking fluid.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
In 2023, more than 200 passengers were stuck at a military base in remote Canada for over 21 hours after a Delta flight traveling from Amsterdam to Detroit, Michigan, experienced a mechanical issue and needed to make an emergency landing.

— Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2025