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Definitions

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

“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 -- I give my teammate the ball.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

For one thing, instinctive judgments rely on experience, and we don’t experience everything that happens on a basketball court or a baseball diamond.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.