Instinctual — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t/ in·stinct

Meaning & Definition of Instinctual

Instinctual (noun)

  1. a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity
  2. a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason
  3. behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level

Instinctual (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. done instantly and without conscious thought or decision

    "the birds' instinctual response is to fly away when startled"

    similar: automatic, instinctive, 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 Instinctual

The most common words with a similar meaning to Instinctual:

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

Related Words for Instinctual

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 Instinctual

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 Instinctual

Derived words: instinctual (adjective), instinctually (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Instinctual

Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate

First known use: 1568

Frequently Asked Questions about Instinctual

What does "Instinctual" mean?

"Instinctual" means a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity.

What is another word for "Instinctual"?

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

What are different ways to say "Instinctual"?

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

How do you use "Instinctual" in a sentence?

Examples of "Instinctual" in a sentence: "the birds' instinctual response is to fly away when startled".

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

"Instinctual" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Instinctual"?

"Instinctual" is pronounced /ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t/ and divided into syllables as in·stinct.

What is the origin of the word "Instinctual"?

"Instinctual" comes from Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate. First known use: 1568.

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

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