as in tendency
a usually innate ability or desire to perform a specific activity
Pouncing on mice is a cat's natural instinct. We needed all of our survival instincts to make it through the weeks lost at sea.
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Recent Examples of instinct
The problem is that this will require Trump to consistently channel his best geopolitical instincts when he will be sorely tempted to follow his most destructive ones instead.
—
Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
While Trump’s opponents may view that attitude as one more manifestation of his autocratic instincts, his complaint is grounded in legitimate concerns about the separation of powers that presidents of both parties have raised for many years.
—Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 24 Feb. 2025
Time and again, his instincts and courage saved lives.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
The second hour is still heavy on Ted, who is very conflicted about taking up a criminal defense case when his ex-prosecutor instinct is to assume anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney is inherently guilty.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
While Trump’s opponents may view that attitude as one more manifestation of his autocratic instincts, his complaint is grounded in legitimate concerns about the separation of powers that presidents of both parties have raised for many years.
—Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 24 Feb. 2025
Time and again, his instincts and courage saved lives.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
The second hour is still heavy on Ted, who is very conflicted about taking up a criminal defense case when his ex-prosecutor instinct is to assume anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney is inherently guilty.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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Beyond The Basics Successful investing requires mastering behavioral tendencies, and effective retirement planning demands a clear view of your financial reality.—
Wayne Anderman,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Playing in a defense requires knowing the scheme, understanding how to react to opponents’ tendencies and teammates’ on-the-fly decisions and making game plan specific adjustments.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Meghan Markle may host a series that shows off her skills in the kitchen, but apparently her husband Prince Harry isn’t a bad cook, either.—
Erin Hill,
People.com,
9 Mar. 2025
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With the rise of the gig economy and digital platforms, turning your existing skills into a profitable side hustle has never been easier, or more necessary.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This told them that all coral structures take their shape from individual polyps’ microscopic inclinations.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
26 Feb. 2025
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His geopolitical inclinations have not changed, and his antidemocratic tendencies have only gotten worse.—
HAL BRANDS,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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If convicted, Mangione will have solidified a fateful decision to give in to murderous impulses and thrown away a promising future, totally ruining his own life.—
Baltimore Sun Editorial Board,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Mar. 2025
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Both medications effectively improve focus, attention, and impulse control, but individual responses and side effects vary.—
T'Keyah Bazin, PharmD,
Verywell Health,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The Court's January 7, 2025 order granting preliminary relief is STAYED pending the disposition of the appeal.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
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Pending the preparation and disposition of charges, the governor may suspend the mayor for a period not exceeding 30 days.—
John Bacon,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to instinct
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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