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automatic

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noun

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
That started to change this past season, when the Tritons played the Aztecs close in the opener and finished 30-5, claiming the Big West’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament in their first season of eligibility. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 With two outs in the 11th and the Angels automatic runner still standing at third, the Cardinals intentionally walked Mike Trout to get to Paris. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
In the car world, automatics are practical and simple for the majority of commuting drivers, but enthusiasts often prefer the extra control and involvement of a clutch and a stick-shift. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for automatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The mix of Greek mythology, robots and mechanical flying scorpions is a little all over the place, but my son was plenty entertained by Scooby and Shaggy’s ability to act like bumbling fools one minute and brave heroes the next.
    Dina Gachman, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • No account minimum for active or automated investing, or to participate in IPOs.
    Elizabeth Gravier, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
  • With the recent integration of new tech, workers have quickly recognized that AI and automated processes aren’t out for their jobs, McCoy added.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Until finally Reacher outsmarted him by plugging the barrel of the machine gun Paulie shot, which exploded into his throat and killed him.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • In one such instance, the informant bought a $1,700 machine gun from Talley last September, the complaint says.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Boston Dynamics is at it again, wowing us with some seriously cool robotic moves.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Or mostly robotic, at least—the fruit flies the researchers used would occasionally go their own way, despite strong inducements to stay with the program.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One casing is a 9mm caliber, likely a pistol, or a machine pistol or a submachine gun, Weir said.
    Mohammad Al Sawalhi, CNN, 26 June 2024
  • Prosecutors said police found two weapons in the getaway car when the men were detained on a highway about 50 kilometers (30 miles) outside Amsterdam, a Heckler and Koch machine pistol and, in a Louis Vuitton bag, a blank-firing pistol that had been modified to take 9-millimeter rounds.
    MIKE CORDER, ajc, 18 Oct. 2021
Adjective
  • But ultimately, the week ended with a pretty good array of extremes in selling pressure and hedging demand of the sort that should turn the risk-reward more favorable for a reflex bounce before too long.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The reflex reaction would be to suggest that without Stiller and Goretzka, Germany lost control in midfield.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • He was arrested after a loaded AK-47 assault rifle was found in his backseat.
    Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In 2019, a twenty-one-year-old from a small town outside Dallas had travelled to a Walmart in El Paso and opened fire with a semi-automatic assault rifle, killing twenty-three shoppers.
    Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Women’s March was highly organized and concentrated, while the protests in June 2020 were largely spontaneous and spread out.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Few inspire spontaneous ovations in public places, like the one U.S. Rep. John Larson received last month at Bradley airport.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automatic. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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