MECHANICAL Synonyms: 171 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of mechanical are automatic , impulsive , instinctive , and spontaneous . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

Q: When might 'automatic' be a better fit than 'mechanical'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mechanical , automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

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

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

Q: When can 'instinctive' be used instead of 'mechanical'?

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

Q: When is 'spontaneous' a more appropriate choice than 'mechanical'?

Although the words spontaneous and mechanical have much in common, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

mechanical

adjective

mi-ˈka-ni-kəl

Definition of mechanical next

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision the waiter's mechanical reply of "Everything on the menu is good"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unnatural

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality a somewhat mechanical vocal performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mechanical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mechanical are automatic, impulsive, instinctive, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When might automatic be a better fit than mechanical?

While in some cases nearly identical to mechanical, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When would impulsive be a good substitute for mechanical?

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

impulsive acts of violence

When can instinctive be used instead of mechanical?

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

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When is spontaneous a more appropriate choice than mechanical?

Although the words spontaneous and mechanical have much in common, 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 mechanical While there’s real reason to be skeptical that Flagg is a legitimate shooter right now, his mechanical tweaks in addition to this run of confident shooting from behind the arc has given NBA evaluators real confidence there’s a lot to work with in regard to Flagg’s shooting. —

Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 In the world of chemistry, getting polymers (long chains of large molecules) to form mechanical bonds inside their structures has proven extremely challenging. —

Michael Franco, New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2025 Like a mechanical wooden doll dancing to the sea shanty. —

Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2025 Will a mechanical dispenser be any more precise than standard teaspoons? —

Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mechanical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanical

Adjective

Health inspectors said an automatic dishwasher was out of service and the staff had not set up a manual sanitizing station.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Tedesco’s side won just one of their six matches in League A Group 2, finishing nine points behind France and Italy while avoiding automatic relegation to League B by finishing above Israel on goal difference.

— Guillermo Rai, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025