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.

"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

It is an unusually nuanced take on a subject that too often generates reflexive fulminating or fawning, and a truly auspicious start to the New Museum’s new chapter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

But Chip’s need for connection and reflexive sense of entitlement proves disastrous — the story isn’t going the way he wanted, and Groff allows it to collapse on him.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

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

From Slate • Dec. 8, 2025

Apparently reflexive verbs gain a new importance for certain girls at the age of fifteen.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Vocabulary lists containing reflexive

Unwind

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Brian's Winter

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Far from the Tree

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