instinct

noun

Definition of instinctnext
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.

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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 instinct Pritzker’s pause on data-center tax incentives is not meant to be permanent, and his initial instinct was right. — David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The instinct for many researchers is to treat uncertainty as a failing, something to paper over before anyone notices. — Aleeza Gerstein, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 The result is heavier and more fully formed, but still rooted in the chemistry of four friends who built their sound from instinct rather than formula. — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 Zoo Miami Foundation conservation liaison Ron Magill says both creatures act on instinct rather than aggression. — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
  1. tendency
  2. skill
  3. inclination
  4. impulse
  5. disposition
Noun
  • Career Fit Is a Business Issue There is a persistent tendency in the legal profession to interpret difficulty in a role as a personal shortcoming.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The National Association of Theatre Owners changed its name last year to Cinema United, which is more aspirational than descriptive, as Aron — a board member — has a tendency to go his own way.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • The partnership is also framed as a skills exchange, giving Indonesian creative talent exposure to ReelShort’s production pipeline.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The company has had a decades-long presence in the country and invested billions in AI infrastructure and related skills training in Brazil, the leading economy in Latin America.
    — Charlotte Hu, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • Collectively, that inclination could lead to bills soaring ever higher.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But analysts at the time cautioned that Beijing had neither the capability nor inclination to pressure either side into negotiating.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of inclination
Noun
  • Fewer steps between desire and checkout means fewer chances for the initial impulse to fade.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That matters because fewer steps between desire and checkout means fewer chances for the initial impulse to fade.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of impulse
Noun
  • With a steely disposition, Dikha is seen in the videos standing at the very front of a thin boat, executing a repetitive series of dance moves as a line of rowers propel them through a river.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The office recently concluded its criminal investigation into GKN and is now negotiating a civil disposition with the company.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of disposition

Browse Nearby Words

instills
instinct
instinctive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on instinct

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about instinct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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