as in tendency
a usually innate ability or desire to perform a specific activity
Pouncing on mice is a cat's natural instinct. We needed all of our survival instincts to make it through the weeks lost at sea.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of instinct
The dribbling instincts of a winger, paired with the vision and spatial awareness of a midfielder, make Moleiro a unique asset in the pool of young playmakers.
—
Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 June 2025
According to Anthropic’s technical document laying out the findings, that isn’t the model’s first instinct.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 1 June 2025
But, ultimately, Trump relies on his own instincts above all else when making decisions.
—Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
The Human Pitch mindset gives you what traditional reviews can’t: a read on voice, a sense of instinct and a glimpse into the people who will build the thing together, not just sell it.
—Flavio Vidigal, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 June 2025
According to Anthropic’s technical document laying out the findings, that isn’t the model’s first instinct.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 1 June 2025
But, ultimately, Trump relies on his own instincts above all else when making decisions.
—Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
The Human Pitch mindset gives you what traditional reviews can’t: a read on voice, a sense of instinct and a glimpse into the people who will build the thing together, not just sell it.
—Flavio Vidigal, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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That’s the tendency, when arriving at such milestones — to celebrate the past, and the distance traveled.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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The heavy stacks of cash fit into a pattern emerging throughout the trial as prosecutors attempt to paint Combs as a man spoiled by success, able to hide a tendency for abuse and criminality through a large staff and an ever-larger fortune.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Critical leadership skills can be learned through the creative and joyful act of reading children’s books.—
Esther K. Choy,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Eight of Pentacles: This is a month to hone your skills and refine your craft, as Mercury’s journey through Aquarius should sharpen your focus until the 14th.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Additionally, the Bank of Japan’s inclination to tighten its monetary policy, which collides with the Asian nation’s fiscal woes, also have a hand in fueling the bond sell-off, said Varathan.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
22 May 2025
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But state officials have shown no inclination toward making alterations. California earlier this month joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Federal Highway Administration and the Trump administration from withholding billions of dollars to expand electric vehicle infrastructure.—
Rob Nikolewski,
Mercury News,
21 May 2025
Noun
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But then, Trump hasn’t gotten the trade-war impulse out of his system yet.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Right now, it’s marked down by $350, which is the lowest it’s been in a while (and way easier to justify than your last impulse buy).—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
26 May 2025
Noun
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On the other hand, those with a certain chronotype — a natural disposition determined by factors such as age and genetics — may benefit from the habit, Fiala said, referencing a 2023 study which found night owls tend to rely on their snooze button more.—
Kameryn Griesser,
CNN Money,
26 May 2025
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He was released from jail on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon for a disposition hearing, court records show.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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