in·stinct
ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t 
1
: a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity
had an instinct for the right word
2
a
: a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason
b
: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level
instinctually
adverb
in·stinct
in-ˈstiŋ(k)t
ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
: profoundly imbued : infused
my mood, instinct with romance—
S. J. Perelman
S. J. Perelman2
obsolete
: impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency
Examples of instinct in a Sentence
Noun
Our first instinct was to run.
Cats possess a natural hunting instinct.
Seeing the baby aroused all her maternal instincts.
He has been guided throughout his career by his political instincts.
Mere instinct alerted her to the danger.
He knew by instinct what not to say.
She seemed to know by instinct that something was wrong.
He has a strong survival instinct.
an athlete with good instincts
Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024
Trust your instincts, voice your opinion and help those in need.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2024
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024
But sometimes instinct can lead a mathematician astray.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instinct 
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Noun
To me, the instinct is never to try to win the argument.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024
Trust your instincts, voice your opinion and help those in need.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Dennis was a long, explosive general nuisance inside at Pitt (12 TFL, seven sacks as a senior) and has the type of effort/instinct combination Todd Bowles covets.
—Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024
But sometimes instinct can lead a mathematician astray.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instinct
Articles Related to instinct
Dictionary Entries Near instinct
Cite this Entry
“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instinct. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
instinct
noun
in·stinct
ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
: a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason
2
: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level
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