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

For the hedge knight who inspired Baelor’s intervention, the motives are more reflexive.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

The language is reflexive, ritualized, and remarkably effective.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

Everything followed in the same sequence, as it always did, the ritual sounds of getting dressed that now seemed so automatic, so reflexive.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Vocabulary lists containing reflexive

Unwind

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Brian's Winter

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Far from the Tree

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