as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
the instinctive reaction of a mother is to protect her children
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instinctive
Chris Whipple, an expert on White House chiefs of staff, said Trump is reactive and instinctive, which drove his success on the campaign trail.
—
Tamara Keith, NPR, 28 June 2025
However, Branch’s instinctive and aggressive tendencies sometimes hurt.
—Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Their intelligence varies by breed and falls into three types: instinctive, adaptive, and working/obedience.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
With her criminal past pardoned, Aphra is now recruited by her good buddy Luke Skywalker to employ her instinctive treasure-hunting skills for the benefit of the New Republic.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Tamara Keith, NPR, 28 June 2025
However, Branch’s instinctive and aggressive tendencies sometimes hurt.
—Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Their intelligence varies by breed and falls into three types: instinctive, adaptive, and working/obedience.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
With her criminal past pardoned, Aphra is now recruited by her good buddy Luke Skywalker to employ her instinctive treasure-hunting skills for the benefit of the New Republic.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinctive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctive
Adjective
-
This legislation will trigger automatic cuts to Medicare totaling $500 billion over eight years.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
-
But this went from an idea that was an automatic community win to an example of desperate nickel and diming.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
-
Things like robot bartenders, a remarkable sightseeing capsule that rises on a 300-foot-long mechanical arm, and an extensive array of exciting activities are now available within driving distance.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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That leads to the second category: a simple reflex agent with state.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Some bass-heavy speakers can create an annoying booming sound from the reflex port at the rear of the speaker.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
Relatedly, many people become more open to spontaneous thinking in the evening, when the brain is less focused and inhibited.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
10 July 2025
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This exhilarating transit could spark a need for spontaneous self-expression and creative freedom.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
What might this robotic world of the future look like?—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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One of the robotic arms then retrieves the items from storage and delivers them to the window within about 90 seconds.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Another customer says the soap works wonders for their mechanic husband and is powerful enough to remove dirt and grease.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
10 July 2025
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Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctive. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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