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 is a reflexive conspiratorial vibe permeating the culture.

From Slate • May 7, 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

He runs through the familiar GenAI hazards—hallucinations, bias, privacy concerns and the challenge of regulation—yet refuses to indulge reflexive skeptics and their “grave reservations.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

I worry that in our reactive, reflexive move to find blame, we’re going to miss the interventions that could actually prevent this from happening again.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

He nodded in reflexive agreement, his mind on the poop sheet.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Vocabulary lists containing reflexive

Unwind

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Brian's Winter

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Far from the Tree

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