SPONTANEOUS Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of spontaneous are automatic , impulsive , instinctive , and mechanical . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

Q: In what contexts can 'automatic' take the place of 'spontaneous'?

The meanings of automatic and spontaneous largely overlap; however, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

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

In some situations, the words impulsive and spontaneous are roughly equivalent. However, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment. // impulsive acts of violence

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

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

Q: Where would 'mechanical' be a reasonable alternative to 'spontaneous'?

The words mechanical and spontaneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

spontaneous

adjective

spän-ˈtā-nē-əs

Definition of spontaneous next

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision recoiling when a wasp is near is simply a spontaneous reaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word spontaneous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of spontaneous are automatic, impulsive, instinctive, and mechanical. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

In what contexts can automatic take the place of spontaneous?

The meanings of automatic and spontaneous largely overlap; however, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When is it sensible to use impulsive instead of spontaneous?

In some situations, the words impulsive and spontaneous are roughly equivalent. However, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When could instinctive be used to replace spontaneous?

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

blinking is an instinctive reaction

Where would mechanical be a reasonable alternative to spontaneous?

The words mechanical and spontaneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

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 spontaneous Emotional control refers to the practice of recognizing and managing one’s emotions, so that a person can respond in a socially appropriate manner to spontaneous news. —

Chris Morris, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2025 Nine out of ten dentists say this is enough saccharine to give every American spontaneous cavities. —

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2025 The liver had subscapular hematoma, which a 2020 Science Direct article says is spontaneous bleeding between the connective tissue surrounding the liver and the functional tissue of the liver. —

David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025 His staff shielded him from spontaneous encounters with the media, stepping in to lead him away from unscripted situations. —

Nolan Finley, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for spontaneous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spontaneous

Adjective

If passed, Maryland can use automatic money returns for claims under $5,000.

— Scott Taylor, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2025
Not all employees have an automatic right to appeal.

— Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025