Knee-jerk — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈnē-ˌjərk/

Meaning & Definition of Knee-jerk

Knee-jerk (adjective)

  1. readily predictable, automatic; also, disapproving, reacting in a readily predictable way

Knee-jerk (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. done instantly and without conscious thought or decision

    "a colleague known for her knee-jerk rejection of any proposal that she didn't originate"

    similar: automatic, instinctive, instinctual, involuntary, 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 Knee-jerk

The most common words with a similar meaning to Knee-jerk:

automatic, instinctive, instinctual, involuntary, mechanic, mechanical, robotic, spontaneous

Related Words for Knee-jerk

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 Knee-jerk

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

Origin & Etymology of Knee-jerk

First known use: 1958

Frequently Asked Questions about Knee-jerk

What does "Knee-jerk" mean?

"Knee-jerk" means readily predictable, automatic; also, disapproving, reacting in a readily predictable way. As an adjective, it is defined as: readily predictable, automatic; also, disapproving, reacting in a readily predictable way.

What is another word for "Knee-jerk"?

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

What are different ways to say "Knee-jerk"?

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

How do you use "Knee-jerk" in a sentence?

Examples of "Knee-jerk" in a sentence: "a colleague known for her knee-jerk rejection of any proposal that she didn't originate".

Is "Knee-jerk" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Knee-jerk" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Knee-jerk"?

"Knee-jerk" is pronounced /ˈnē-ˌjərk/.

What is the origin of the word "Knee-jerk"?

First known use: 1958.

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

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