instinctive

[in-stingk-tiv] / ɪnˈstɪŋk tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

reflex, automatic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

impulsive ingrained inherent innate intuitive natural spontaneous visceral

WEAK

accustomed by seat of one's pants congenital habitual inborn instinctual intrinsic intuitional involuntary knee-jerk mechanical native normal regular rooted second-nature typical unlearned unmeditated unpremeditated unprompted unthinking

Antonyms

STRONGEST

acquired extrinsic learned

WEAK

conscious deliberate meditated reasonable sensible

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.

When a nameless secretary drops a sheaf of papers, Kornev’s response to help is instinctive, yet we cringe at the careless faux pas he commits in this unfeeling society.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Iger praised D'Amaro's "instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences."

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

“He has an instinctive appreciation of the Disney brand, and a deep understanding of what resonates with our audiences.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

"When we made 28 Days Later, it didn't feel like we were consciously trying to subvert tropes - it just felt instinctive," she says.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

It is instinctive behavior, in my view, and I do not understand how it works.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

instinctive

Example Sentences

Related Words