as in tendencies
a usually innate ability or desire to perform a specific activity
Pouncing on mice is a cat's natural instinct. We needed all of our survival instincts to make it through the weeks lost at sea.
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Recent Examples of instincts
That humor is just one of the ways Seven Kingdoms departs from the franchise’s usual instincts, overwhelmingly for the better.
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Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
For this cycle, Kane's instincts were correct — the simulations showed that when Mars was removed, its absence had no effect on this particular cycle.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026
While the governor’s benevolent instincts are laudable, leniency here would only invite more lawbreaking, and ultimately, more suffering — in Colorado and beyond.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Violent hands and elite diagnostic instincts are his weapons of choice.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
In his view, gymnastics requires a unique kind of neuromuscular connection because many of the movements defy the body’s natural instincts.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
Your protective instincts guide you to choose gentle language that names the truth, so others hear the request without feeling pushed.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2026
Now, on the debut album under his new alias Musicentrydelete, Matt applies his obscurantist instincts to a kind of minimalist ambient techno, to dreamily—and woozily—psychedelic effect.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 14 Jan. 2026
With film and television sharing equal footing, the arrivals tend to reflect a wider range of style instincts, from full-scale glamour to simpler, but still as captivating ensembles.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instincts
Noun
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The modern world offers an endless selection of rabbit holes, into which those of us with obsessive tendencies can pour virtually unlimited amounts of time, energy and love.—
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Some past tendencies may offer a hint.—
Noun
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Using those newfound skills, the Creature returns to the ruins of the tower and reads letters that reveal the truth of its creation.—
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In fact, employers at Big Four firms like KPMG and PWC have identified that their youngest recruits are lacking essential work etiquette skills like communication and collaboration.—
Noun
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This time around, the cuisine will focus on Laura’s roots, offering up dishes that show off Mexico’s culinary inclinations.—
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His beliefs and artistic inclinations were protean and often contradictory.—
Noun
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In choosing Grok, Hegseth has selected the tool of war which best mirrors his own darkest impulses — one that will reflect back on every air strike without a hint of remorse.—
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The resulting portrait is of a man who is ideologically malleable, always ready to execute on the President’s most draconian impulses.—
Noun
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The Celtics pounded the paint with Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, a pair of bruising bigs who also can force the issue from 3-point range despite their lumbering dispositions.—
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However, because the animals' natural habitats share some overlap and both have similarly docile dispositions, zoos often group howlers and capybaras together.—
Cite this Entry
“Instincts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instincts. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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