instinct
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.
You can see somebody torn between their better judgment, their core instinct, their humanity, and someone who is so frustrated that they’re stepping toward a kind of nihilism.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
People’s instinct is to use AI to automate parts of existing processes rather than rethink the processes themselves.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
"Our instinct may be to start swimming but a lot of the time our body is in shock, especially if you fall into very cold water, which is really dangerous," she told BBC Radio WM.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
Had it heeded a more malevolent sensibility than an instinct to overexplain, it might have been more ruthlessly effective at yucking our yum for road trips.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
When my mother died and was cremated herself, we worried that, acting on instinct, our father might run out and immediately replace her.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
Vocabulary lists containing instinct
Unit 1: Telling Details
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"Fears and Phobias," Vocabulary from the article
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"Is Survival Selfish?" Vocabulary from the argument
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