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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Recent Examples of instinct
The feline's strong maternal instinct was captured in a video, later posted to TikTok on May 17 under @hellcatd6.
—
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
The incident was indicative of what was to be for Horrigan a fruitful lifelong habit of allowing his instincts and interests to guide him.
—News Desk, Artforum, 22 May 2025
And beyond Bryant’s playmaking instincts — three of his 10 touchdown grabs in 2024 were essentially game-winners — his versatility pops on tape, Neu said.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 May 2025
There was already a deep instinct inside of me to self-generate.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
The incident was indicative of what was to be for Horrigan a fruitful lifelong habit of allowing his instincts and interests to guide him.
—News Desk, Artforum, 22 May 2025
And beyond Bryant’s playmaking instincts — three of his 10 touchdown grabs in 2024 were essentially game-winners — his versatility pops on tape, Neu said.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 May 2025
There was already a deep instinct inside of me to self-generate.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for instinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instinct
Noun
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As the graph shows below, Bellingham, like most of Real Madrid midfielders, has a tendency to hold on to the ball, whereas Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen midfield is defined by quick and incisive short passes.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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Though moderators control questioning during such forums, too, candidates have a tendency to end up chiming in on each other’s answers when seated next to each other.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Critical leadership skills can be learned through the creative and joyful act of reading children’s books.—
Esther K. Choy,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Eight of Pentacles: This is a month to hone your skills and refine your craft, as Mercury’s journey through Aquarius should sharpen your focus until the 14th.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Additionally, the Bank of Japan’s inclination to tighten its monetary policy, which collides with the Asian nation’s fiscal woes, also have a hand in fueling the bond sell-off, said Varathan.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
22 May 2025
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But state officials have shown no inclination toward making alterations. California earlier this month joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Federal Highway Administration and the Trump administration from withholding billions of dollars to expand electric vehicle infrastructure.—
Rob Nikolewski,
Mercury News,
21 May 2025
Noun
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But then, Trump hasn’t gotten the trade-war impulse out of his system yet.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Right now, it’s marked down by $350, which is the lowest it’s been in a while (and way easier to justify than your last impulse buy).—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
26 May 2025
Noun
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On the other hand, those with a certain chronotype — a natural disposition determined by factors such as age and genetics — may benefit from the habit, Fiala said, referencing a 2023 study which found night owls tend to rely on their snooze button more.—
Kameryn Griesser,
CNN Money,
26 May 2025
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He was released from jail on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon for a disposition hearing, court records show.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instinct. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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