instinctive

Also in·stinc·tu·al

[in-stingk-tiv]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of instinct.

2. prompted by or resulting from or as if from instinct; natural; unlearned.

   an instinctive will to survive.

   Synonyms: unpremeditated, intuitive, spontaneous

instinctive

/ ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resulting from instinct

2. conditioned so as to appear innate

   an instinctive movement in driving

Other Word Forms

• instinctively adverb
• instinctually adverb
• half-instinctive adjective
• noninstinctive adjective
• noninstinctual adjective
• semi-instinctive adjective
• uninstinctive adjective
• uninstinctiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of instinctive¹

First recorded in 1640–50; instinct ¹ + -ive

Example Sentences

His escape deposits him into a frozen wilderness, where the first humans he encounters react to him with instinctive horror.

Read more on Salon

"He is so dangerous in broken field and is an instinctive player, so when he is back to winning the air he will show what he has got with his running game."

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Almost on target with an instinctive flicked header.

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The throw happens so fast that it’s far more instinctive than an intellectual process.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I ask what makes him such an instinctive actor.

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Related Words

• impulsive 
• ingrained 
• inherent 
• innate 
• intuitive 
• natural 
• spontaneous 
• visceral