KILLER INSTINCT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

killer instinct

noun

Definition of killer instinct

as in overambitiousness

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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 killer instinct The entrepreneur and lifestyle icon has built a career out of creating and celebrating beautiful things, but a killer instinct for business is why her career has far outpaced the men’s around her. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026 During the third, his killer instinct shifted focus. — Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026 Piastri, 24, showed glimpses of that killer instinct in 2025, finishing third and cementing himself as one of the sport’s best drivers in his third full season. — Roman Stubbs, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026 UConn is 22-1, has won 18 in a row, is 7-0 in true road games, ranked third in the nation, and the coach is no longer lamenting a lack of killer instinct, but showing the lack of respect card. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for killer instinct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct

Noun

Key Takeaways Some savory foods made with refined starches can raise your blood sugar just as quickly, or even faster, than sweet foods.

— Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 19 Aug. 2026
And while wild barley proved to be better for converting starches into fermentable sugars, some brewers continued to make wheat beers, often using primarily barley and a smaller percentage of wheat.

— Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of starch

Noun

The friends haven’t seen each other in some time, though Frankie spends many an evening parked outside the hospice in his car, summoning the gumption to visit.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Slight, lightning quick and with mesmerizing ballhanding, Iverson attacked defenses on the perimeter and in the paint with equal parts of fearlessness and relentlessness, guile and gumption.

— Rob Peterson, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of gumption

Noun

The opening acoustic guitar plucks were full in the lower frequencies while showing enough treble finesse to convey fine string texture.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026
With every pluck, the strings seem to vibrate in the air in front of you, blurring like bees’ wings.

— Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026

Definition of pluck

Noun

And the who, what and why of the vengeful spirit is the narrative pull of the play — along with the tense anticipation of more revelations, suspicions and shocks.

— Frank Rizzo, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Art represents beauty and self-expression, while healing reflects science and well-being across mind, body and spirit.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirit

Noun

This week in metro Atlanta, participate in a worldwide pay-what-you-can initiative, enjoy a nostalgic brunch at Ruby Chow’s and taste four wines for $10 inside a hair salon.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Like the focus on artificial dyes, however, many of the administration's highest-profile health initiatives rely on voluntary agreements.

— Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of initiative

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“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of killer instinct

noun

Example Sentences

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