mechanical

adjective

mi-ˈka-ni-kəl How to pronounce mechanical (audio)
Definition of mechanicalnext
1
as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision the waiter's mechanical reply of "Everything on the menu is good"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unnatural
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality a somewhat mechanical vocal performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mechanical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mechanical are automatic, impulsive, instinctive, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When might automatic be a better fit than mechanical?

While in some cases nearly identical to mechanical, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When would impulsive be a good substitute for mechanical?

While the synonyms impulsive and mechanical are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When can instinctive be used instead of mechanical?

The synonyms instinctive and mechanical are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When is spontaneous a more appropriate choice than mechanical?

Although the words spontaneous and mechanical have much in common, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

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 mechanical Products include mechanical, electrical, sensing and electronic components, spanning from motors and lighting assemblies to ultrasonic, camera, radar and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). —Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 This is true whether the clot is small or large and regardless of its density—but reliably removing the densest clots via mechanical means has proved an elusive task. —Ani Freedman, Fortune, 27 June 2025 Crews will also replace the windows, fix the roof and replace all of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety, security and information technology systems. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 Repairs include mechanical/plumbing elements, as well as wood flooring in its historic gymnasium, and the initial phase of three was approved unanimously by trustees Friday. —Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mechanical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanical
  1. automatic
  2. unnatural
  3. robotic
  4. mock
  5. mechanic
  6. strained
  7. reflex
  8. artificial
Adjective
  • This grass chopper is easy to set up, runs quietly, boasts a solid battery life and automatic charging, and easily maps your mowing area (even with obstacles).
    — Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
  • This legislation will trigger automatic cuts to Medicare totaling $500 billion over eight years.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.
    — Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 7 July 2025
  • His footwork and instincts at third base are unnatural regardless of the maximum effort Chisholm Jr. has put into playing the position.
    — Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • So marketers are faced with the challenge of adapting once again to a new reality, where buying isn’t driven by emotional response but by algorithms and robotic logic.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In a warehouse setting, this means robotic arms could inspect the contents of packages moving down a conveyor belt without unpacking them.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of robotic
Adjective
  • In a recent mock draft, Baseball America speculated the Sox would select Florida State left-hander Jamie Arnold if the run on prep shortstops left him on the board.
    — Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Ali had ceased looking towards the horizon long before the luminous blue of it became a mock memory.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • Another customer says the soap works wonders for their mechanic husband and is powerful enough to remove dirt and grease.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 10 July 2025
  • Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Definition of mechanic
Adjective
  • But not Hochman, whose strained diplomacy has raised eyebrows.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
  • The story of Mbappe’s move to the Bernabeu last summer and his strained relations with PSG could fill several tomes, given the intensity of Madrid’s almost decade-long pursuit of the forward — and the fallout continues to this day.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • That leads to the second category: a simple reflex agent with state.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Some bass-heavy speakers can create an annoying booming sound from the reflex port at the rear of the speaker.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • While trace amounts may still be naturally present in some foods, the ban has virtually eliminated artificial trans fats.
    — Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
  • That artificial sweetener crosses your blood-brain barrier and actually makes the neurotransmitter depletion worse.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of artificial

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mechanic
mechanical
mechanics
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Cite this Entry

“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanical. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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