AUTOMATIC Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'automatic' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of automatic are impulsive , instinctive , mechanical , and spontaneous . While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. // his denial was automatic

Q: Where would 'impulsive' be a reasonable alternative to 'automatic'?

While the synonyms impulsive and automatic are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment. // impulsive acts of violence

Q: When could 'instinctive' be used to replace 'automatic'?

The words instinctive and automatic can be used in similar contexts, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will. // blinking is an instinctive reaction

Q: When would 'mechanical' be a good substitute for 'automatic'?

In some situations, the words mechanical and automatic are roughly equivalent. However, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. // a mechanical teaching method

Q: When is it sensible to use 'spontaneous' instead of 'automatic'?

The meanings of spontaneous and automatic largely overlap; however, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. // a spontaneous burst of applause

automatic 1 of 2

adjective

ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik

Definition of automatic

as in mechanical

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision Carl's automatic use of the brakes narrowly averted a collision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in automated

designed to replace or decrease human labor and especially physical labor liked the ease of an automatic floor cleaner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

automatic

2 of 2

noun

as in machine gun

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word automatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of automatic are impulsive, instinctive, mechanical, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

Where would impulsive be a reasonable alternative to automatic?

While the synonyms impulsive and automatic are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When could instinctive be used to replace automatic?

The words instinctive and automatic can be used in similar contexts, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When would mechanical be a good substitute for automatic?

In some situations, the words mechanical and automatic are roughly equivalent. However, mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When is it sensible to use spontaneous instead of automatic?

The meanings of spontaneous and automatic largely overlap; however, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of automatic

Adjective

Willson Contreras led off the 11th with a single that advanced automatic runner Wilyer Abreu from second base to third. — CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 In the top of the 10th, automatic runner catcher Connor Wong moved from second to third on a groundout off reliever Calvin Faucher. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

Indeed, if the manual gearbox had the DSG automatic's ratios, the paragraphs above would have a very different tenor. — ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025 Notre Dame is simply trying to figure out how to make the automatics automatic. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for automatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for automatic

Adjective

Changing configuration with no external wiring The development depends on a quirk of physics called mechanical bifurcation, which is a sudden shift in structural behavior past a physical tipping point.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
The study describes the recovered cotton and spandex as structurally intact, but that does not by itself establish whether the fibers retain the mechanical performance necessary for textile-to-textile reuse.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

The same flat, automated woman’s voice that announced the beginning of the call now announces its end.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Argus also provides automated assessments intended to measure mission outcomes and includes Argus Chat, which allows analysts to query data using natural language.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of automated

Adjective

Rather than designing an entirely new robotic counter-drone vehicle, the companies combined an existing robotic platform with an existing sensing and electronic warfare capability.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
The monsters of the original — the Cyclops and the sirens — are replaced by drones that buzz across the stage and models of robotic war machines.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of robotic

Noun

Colin Gray, the father who gifted his teen son the assault rifle used in the deadly mass shooting at Georgia’s Apalachee High School, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

— Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 31 July 2026
Colin Gray, 55, admitted to providing the assault rifle used by his then-14-year-old son in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School, which killed two students and two teachers.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of assault rifle

Adjective

Because of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization in its crystal structure, GaN heterostructures can naturally induce extremely thin sheets of mobile electrons and holes.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
With a vehicle this size, 180 hp isn't exactly a recipe for spontaneous joy.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of spontaneous

Browse Nearby Words

automated

automatic

automatically

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“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/automatic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of automatic

adjective

noun

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