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.

“People make that decision not from the rational brain, but from the emotional, instinctive brain,” said Deborah Price, a money coach in Petaluma, Calif.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

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

Parkinson was more accepting of the decision, refusing to blame Brunt for his instinctive goalline touch and suggesting Moore's header would have hit the post.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

"It's a primitive sport, almost instinctive for human beings," Yuji Ano, president of the tournament's organising committee, told AFP.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

That was his instinctive feeling, and the manager of a band like U2 is a man who knows music.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

Vocabulary lists containing instinctive

List 1

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 26–31

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"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury

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