Need another word for Instinctive? Use these synonyms of Instinctive from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
intuitive
innate
inherent
natural
spontaneous
automatic
reflexive
impulsive
instinctual
visceral
gut
primal
emotional
unconscious
subconscious
inherent
inborn
native
intrinsic
innate
unlearned
untaught
intuitive
perceptive
sensitive
aware
responsive
reactive
involuntary
unreflecting
unreasoning
unthinking
mechanical
habitual
conditioned
reflex
innate
inbred
hereditary
genetic
congenital
spontaneous
involuntary
unpremeditated
unplanned
unintentional
unaware
unconscious
instinctual
primeval
elemental
basic
fundamental
Meaning of Instinctive
The primary meaning of "instinctive" is related to actions or decisions that are driven by instinct rather than conscious reasoning.
Definitions
- Relating to or denoting a pattern of behavior that is mediated by the nervous system and performed without conscious thought, as a direct response to a stimulus or situation.
- * Guided by or resulting from instinct, rather than by reason or thought.
Etymology of Instinctive
The word "instinctive" originates from the Latin words "instinctus," meaning "impulse" or "instigation," and "instinguere," meaning "to incite" or "to prompt."
Historically, the term has been used to describe human and animal behavior that appears to be driven by innate, unlearned tendencies.
Example Uses
- The baby's instinctive response to its mother's voice was to cry and reach out.
- * The dog's instinctive behavior when it saw a squirrel was to chase it.
- * She had an instinctive dislike of the man, and couldn't explain why.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
deliberate
intentional
planned
premeditated
conscious
voluntary
reasoned
rational
thoughtful
reflective
calculated
intentional
purposeful
willful
self-conscious
aware
deliberate
considered
preplanned
intended
purposive
knowing
witting
voluntary
willing
conscious
intentional
calculated
measured
thoughtful