Instinctive — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv/ in·stinc·tive

Meaning & Definition of Instinctive

Instinctive (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or being instinct
  2. prompted by natural instinct or propensity, arising spontaneously

Instinctive (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. done instantly and without conscious thought or decision

    "the instinctive reaction of a mother is to protect her children"

    similar: automatic, instinctual, involuntary, knee-jerk, mechanic, mechanical, robotic, spontaneous
    related: conditioned, natural, Pavlovian, reactive, reflex, simple, subliminal, unconscious, unforced, visceral, blind, inadvertent, unintended, unintentional, unwilling, unwitting, abrupt, quick, ready, sudden, ad-lib, extemporaneous, extempore, impromptu, improvised, offhand, offhanded, off-the-cuff, snap, spur-of-the-moment, unconsidered, unplanned, unpremeditated, unprepared, unprompted, unreasoned, unrehearsed, unstudied, casual, chance, chancy, haphazard, hasty, hit-or-miss, impetuous, impulsive, mindless, random, rash
    near: calculated, conscious, cultivated, deliberate, designed, intended, intentional, predetermined, prepared, projected, refined, rehearsed, volitional, voluntary, willed, willful, advised, aforethought, careful, considered, foresighted, forethoughtful, measured, meticulous, reasoned, studied, thoughtful

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Instinctive

The most common words with a similar meaning to Instinctive:

automatic, instinctual, involuntary, knee-jerk, mechanic, mechanical, robotic, spontaneous

Related Words for Instinctive

conditioned, natural, Pavlovian, reactive, reflex, simple, subliminal, unconscious, unforced, visceral, blind, inadvertent, unintended, unintentional, unwilling, unwitting, abrupt, quick, ready, sudden, ad-lib, extemporaneous, extempore, impromptu, improvised, offhand, offhanded, off-the-cuff, snap, spur-of-the-moment

Near Antonyms of Instinctive

calculated, conscious, cultivated, deliberate, designed, intended, intentional, predetermined, prepared, projected, refined, rehearsed, volitional, voluntary, willed, willful, advised, aforethought, careful, considered, foresighted, forethoughtful, measured, meticulous, reasoned, studied, thoughtful

Word Forms of Instinctive

Derived words: instinctively (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Instinctive

First known use: circa 1656

Frequently Asked Questions about Instinctive

What does "Instinctive" mean?

"Instinctive" means of, relating to, or being instinct. As an adjective, it is defined as: of, relating to, or being instinct.

What is another word for "Instinctive"?

Other words for "Instinctive" include automatic, instinctual, involuntary, knee-jerk, mechanic, mechanical, robotic and spontaneous. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Instinctive" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Instinctive"?

There are 57 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Instinctive". Common alternatives include automatic, instinctual, involuntary, knee-jerk, mechanic, mechanical, robotic and spontaneous.

How do you use "Instinctive" in a sentence?

Examples of "Instinctive" in a sentence: "the instinctive reaction of a mother is to protect her children".

Is "Instinctive" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Instinctive" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Instinctive"?

"Instinctive" is pronounced /in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv/ and divided into syllables as in·stinc·tive.

What is the origin of the word "Instinctive"?

First known use: circa 1656.

What is another word for "Instinctive" meaning "done instantly and without conscious thought or decision"?

When "Instinctive" (adjective) means done instantly and without conscious thought or decision, synonyms include automatic, instinctual, involuntary, knee-jerk, mechanic and mechanical.