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 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

Investors had a knee-jerk reaction, with the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rising to 4.23%, its highest settlement level since Sept. 2.

From Barron's • Jan. 17, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jan. 12, 2026

An employment tribunal found Police Scotland directly discriminated against the pair because of their sex and the decision to withdraw their firearms "amounted to a knee-jerk reaction in response to adverse media coverage".

From BBC • Sep. 2, 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