as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
the birds' instinctual response is to fly away when startled
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinctual
Adjective
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But Spurs came in through the Champions League backdoor this week, beating Manchester United in the final of the second-tier European tournament, the Europa League, to win an automatic UCL slot.—
Luke Cyphers,
Sportico.com,
25 May 2025 -
Freeman has received automatic annual 3% raises, according to her contracts.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 May 2025
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The pool’s mechanical room looks like the boiler room of an ocean liner — with giant tanks that purify pool water and another system that stabilizes the temperature.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Instead, Agyemang answered with the kind of instinctive finishing that had abandoned Charlotte during its skid.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
25 May 2025
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Intuition might tell you that attraction is a quick, instinctive reaction.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The Loewe Grand inicio is a powerful two-way speaker with a bass reflex system and is available as a floor-standing speaker.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Conversations are flirtatious and direct, so expect bold texts and spontaneous meetings.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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Bilek said that proposals should be intentional moments, not spontaneous gestures, and partners should openly communicate expectations around commitment to avoid confusion or emotional harm.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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Home in foreclosure, a mobile mechanic Online records show that his Canby Street home was in foreclosure last year and sold in September for $60,000.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Tianwen 2 marks another step forward in China's ever-advancing, ever-ambitious robotic exploration program.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
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Though he’s filmed hundreds of interviews, Evans still looks a touch robotic on camera.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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The 2014 retirement of Malcolm (who died in 2017) and sudden spring 2016 departure of Johnson due to the risk of complete hearing loss threw shade on the future.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
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As guests hurried into the building to escape the sudden downpour — with a few leaving early, uncertain about how the rest of the day would unfold — Ashley had to think on her feet.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
25 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Instinctual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinctual. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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