knee jerk

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Knee-jerk reactions or external pressure could worsen the situation instead of providing solutions.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2025

"Knee-jerk attacks remain an unhelpful way to look at the private sector which employs over 80% of workers in the UK and generates benefits across society."

From BBC • Aug. 21, 2023

Knee-jerk reactors may cynically ask whether this is little more than pie-in-the-sky grandstanding from a president known to thrive on hyperbole.

From Washington Times • Feb. 11, 2019

Knee-jerk contrarianism is just writing, “David’s not wearing a pink shirt,” just to prove how clever you are that you can make the argument.

From Slate • Sep. 29, 2016

Knee-jerk hysteria is the city-wide reaction as a manhunt unfolds to find the missing driver.

From Washington Post • May 6, 2015