instinctive
adjective
in·stinc·tive
in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv 
1
: of, relating to, or being instinct
2
: prompted by natural instinct or propensity : arising spontaneously
an instinctive fear of innovation—
V. L. Parrington
V. L. Parrington
instinctively
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of instinctive in a Sentence
Cats have an instinctive desire to hunt.
the instinctive reaction of a mother is to protect her children
Recent Examples on the Web
Its low latency allows for instinctive operation whether controlled by a single operator or remotely.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
According to Prada, this particular collection represented to her our instinctive approach to dressing: prioritizing what feels right over what we’re told to wear.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Every look is incredible — spontaneous, instinctive, and full of a desire to dream and fall in love with fashion all over again.
—Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
Isak’s winner was instinctive to the point of improbability, his right boot in precisely the right place when Jacob Murphy’s cross was deflected on by Radu Dragusin in the 38th minute.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
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Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
According to Prada, this particular collection represented to her our instinctive approach to dressing: prioritizing what feels right over what we’re told to wear.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Every look is incredible — spontaneous, instinctive, and full of a desire to dream and fall in love with fashion all over again.
—Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
Isak’s winner was instinctive to the point of improbability, his right boot in precisely the right place when Jacob Murphy’s cross was deflected on by Radu Dragusin in the 38th minute.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for instinctive
Articles Related to instinctive
Dictionary Entries Near instinctive
Cite this Entry
“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instinctive. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instinctive
adjective
in·stinc·tive
in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv
1
: of, relating to, or being instinct
2
: resulting from or caused by instinct
instinctively
adverb
Medical Definition
instinctive
adjective
in·stinc·tive
in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv
1
: of, relating to, or being instinct
2
: derived from or prompted by instinct
an instinctive fear
instinctively
adverb
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