Synonyms for instinctive
ɪnˈstɪŋk tɪv; -tʃu əlin·stinc·tive

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.0 / 2 votes

1. instinctive

   That is spontaneous which is freely done, with no external compulsion and, in human actions, without special premeditation or distinct determination of the will; that is voluntary which is freely done with distinct act of will; that is involuntary which is independent of the will, and perhaps in opposition to it; a willing act is not only in accordance with will, but with desire. Thus voluntary and involuntary, which are antonyms of each other, are both partial synonyms of spontaneous. We speak of spontaneous generation, spontaneous combustion, spontaneous sympathy, an involuntary start, an unbidden tear, voluntary agreement, willing submission. A babe's smile in answer to that of its mother is spontaneous; the smile of a pouting child wheedled into good humor is involuntary. In physiology the action of the heart and lungs is called involuntary; the growth of the hair and nails is spontaneous; the action of swallowing is voluntary up to a certain point, beyond which it becomes involuntary or automatic. In the fullest sense of that which is not only without the will but distinctly in opposition to it, or compulsory, involuntary becomes an antonym, not only of voluntary but of spontaneous; as, involuntary servitude. A spontaneous outburst of applause is of necessity an act of volition, but so completely dependent on sympathetic impulse that it would seem frigid to call it voluntary, while to call it involuntary would imply some previous purpose or inclination not to applaud.

   Synonyms:
   automatic, free, impulsive, involuntary, spontaneous, unbidden, voluntary, willing

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.5 / 2 votes

1. instinctive

   Synonyms:
   natural, voluntary, spontaneous, intuitive, impulsive

   Antonyms:
   cultivated, forced, reasoning, rationalistic

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. natural, instinctiveadjective

   unthinking; prompted by (or as if by) instinct

   "a cat's natural aversion to water"; "offering to help was as instinctive as breathing"

   Synonyms:
   innate(p), natural, raw(a), rude(a), born(p), lifelike

   Antonyms:
   induced

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. instinctiveadjective

   Synonyms:
   natural, spontaneous, involuntary

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "instinctive":

   knee-jerk, intuitive

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How to use instinctive in a sentence?

1. Peter Rice:

   Kimberly Godwin is an instinctive and admired executive whose unique experiences, strengths and strategic vision made Kimberly Godwin the ideal choice to lead the outstanding team at ABC News and build on their incredible success.

2. Albert Einstein:

   My pacifism is an instinctive feeling, a feeling that possesses me because the murder of men is disgusting. My attitude is not derived from any intellectual theory but is based on my deepest antipathy to every kind of cruelty and hatred.

3. Angela Wright:

   So this combination can result in an instinctive loyalty.

4. The wise Pharoah Moe:

   When you think of the natural, instinctive icons, like friends, love, and money, you realize how fast they can come and go. Pride and dignity, however are the only icons you can manage to poccess forever. Always keep your head up no matter what..

5. Bertrand Russell:

   The main things which seem to me important on their own account, and not merely as means to other things, are knowledge, art, instinctive happiness, and relations of frendship or affection.