instinct

[in-stingkt] / ˈɪn stɪŋkt /

NOUN

gut feeling, idea

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aptitude feeling hunch impulse inclination intuition knack savvy sense sentiment talent tendency

STRONG

faculty gift know-how nose predisposition proclivity urge

WEAK

funny feeling gut reaction sixth sense

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inability incapacity lack

STRONG

disinclination

WEAK

knowledge reason

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Considering AI when you’re applying for jobs isn’t a bad instinct, as you will most likely be asked how or why you use it.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

I didn’t want to abandon that instinct so much as … give it a little more range.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

A lot of gut instinct is pattern recognition—I’ve lived long, experienced much, and know how this movie ends.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Barber's instinct is that it is more like three to four years away, and that judgement is hard to argue with.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Going on gut instinct, I turned and followed the man.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing instinct

Unit 1: Telling Details

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Fears and Phobias," Vocabulary from the article

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Is Survival Selfish?" Vocabulary from the argument

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!