knee-jerk reaction

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.

The knee-jerk reaction is to avoid the stock after such a steep selloff.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

“The knee-jerk reaction to the better jobs report was initial strength, then weakness,” said Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at the Carson Group.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 11, 2026

“The initial knee-jerk reaction was one of worry,” Goldberg said.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 12, 2026

"It's the same sort of knee-jerk reaction and then they'll shrug their shoulders and say 'well this is how it is now'."

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

It’s a knee-jerk reaction, so fast I forget for a second that I’m furious at him.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith