as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
the birds' instinctual response is to fly away when startled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctual
Adjective
-
The women lost out on an automatic bid after dropping the A-10 title game to George Mason.—
Isaac Avilucea,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025 -
The chance to move into the automatic promotion places has slipped away.—
Matt Woosnam,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
12 Mar. 2025
-
The vehicle is also fitted with a lower front valance skid plate, for mechanical protection.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
As the self-sufficient adolescent Ari, Bateman delivers a performance wise beyond her years, with whip-smart comedic and dramatic timing born from instinctive avoidance.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Reasons Why Yelling at Kids Doesn't Work Yelling at your kids often feels like an instinctive reaction when anger or frustration takes over.—
Daryl Austin,
Parents,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Engineered to deliver booming bass at all volume levels, the speaker sports dual 58mm tweeters, a 165mm bass driver, a bass reflex tube and BlueAnt’s signature psycho-acoustic bass.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Common triggers include dehydration from illness, vasovagal syncope—a reflex response to nausea or pain—abnormal heart rhythms, and heart valve conditions such as aortic stenosis.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
While the photo recreation may seem spontaneous, Evelyn told Newsweek that her mom was the real mastermind behind it.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Yellowstone Vacations tours are designed to allow for plenty of spontaneous wildlife stops, making each tour slightly different from the last.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
-
His current mechanic shop is basically a retirement hobby, something to pass the time.—
Zach Helfand,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Provided by a company named Honeybee Robotics, this device could be used as a cheaper alternative to other sample collection methods, such as robotic arms, on future planetary science missions.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
18 Mar. 2025
-
The Second Cup Coffee Company is launching Mozo, a robotic barista, in Beirut, enhancing efficiency and consistency in café service.—
Daphne Ewing-Chow,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
While the viral video captures the unsettling reality of sudden turbulence, industry statistics highlight the overall safety of modern commercial flights.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Your first thought as a near-retiree may be that a sudden recession will rob you of your retirement.—
Chris Carosa,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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.
Articles Related to instinctual
Cite this Entry
“Instinctual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctual. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share