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knee-jerk reaction

NOUN
automatic response
Synonyms
WEAK
Pavlovian response absence of thought automatic reaction gut reaction involuntary impulse

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.

My immediate knee-jerk reaction to your portfolio is that you have nearly 39% of your total holdings in stocks, which is OK.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

That kind of knee-jerk reaction seems ripe to even out as panic gives way to more measured trading.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

If forcing his premature departure was really Glasner's intention then it has not worked with Palace refusing to make a knee-jerk reaction.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2026

So the recent woes of the sector are just a knee-jerk reaction to seeing a handful of cockroaches lurking around in the home.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 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