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
This is also what Lanthimos needs from his talented cast, and over the years he’s developed a theater camp-like rehearsal process to get the physical, instinctive, and bold performances that are so distinct and key to his films.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 28 June 2024
But their instinctive conservatism has helped guide the country through unsettled times.
—Gracia Liu-Farrer, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2020
So, could the brain’s instinctive revulsion at consuming human flesh be a kind of defense mechanism?
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 14 June 2024
This consensus has shifted the public’s stance toward an almost instinctive hostility: according to polling, 60 percent of Americans now have an unfavorable view of the People’s Republic, a record high since the Pew Research Center began asking the question in 2005.
—Fareed Zakaria, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2019
See all Example Sentences for instinctive 
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 28 June 2024
But their instinctive conservatism has helped guide the country through unsettled times.
—Gracia Liu-Farrer, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2020
So, could the brain’s instinctive revulsion at consuming human flesh be a kind of defense mechanism?
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 14 June 2024
This consensus has shifted the public’s stance toward an almost instinctive hostility: according to polling, 60 percent of Americans now have an unfavorable view of the People’s Republic, a record high since the Pew Research Center began asking the question in 2005.
—Fareed Zakaria, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2019
See all Example Sentences for instinctive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instinctive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Instinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instinctive. Accessed 14 Jul. 2024.
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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