reflexive

[ri-flek-siv] / rɪˈflɛk sɪv /

ADJECTIVE

involuntary

Synonyms

STRONGEST

compulsory forced spontaneous uncontrolled unintentional

WEAK

automatic begrudging blind conditioned grudging habitual impulsive instinctive instinctual knee-jerk obligatory reflex reluctant uncalculated unconscious unintended unmeditated unpremeditated unprompted unthinking unwilling unwitting will-less

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deliberate intended planned voluntary

WEAK

conscious intentional unforced

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.

All he had considered was his reflexive hatred of regulation — regulations that promote well-being; taxes that help communities.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

Mr. Swaim makes a useful case against reflexive anti-data center alarmism, but he omits a key objection: noise.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

"There are some people whose reflexive reaction to any kind of major event is to claim it's fake and staged, no matter what it is," Rothschild told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Amit Agarwal, Slaughter’s lawyer, struggled to break through their impenetrable certitude, facing reflexive hostility at every turn.

From Slate • Dec. 8, 2025

There’s something automatic, reflexive, about his level of involvement in the marketplace.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

Vocabulary lists containing reflexive

Unwind

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Brian's Winter

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Far from the Tree

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