instinct

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.

Don’t run because it could trigger the animal’s chase instinct.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

When a 19-year-old college student loses a bet, the instinct is rarely to walk away.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

He said: "My first instinct is that it's a hoax message or she'd been hacked."

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

His first presidential campaign in 2016 was marked by a feral but highly developed gut instinct for what the public wanted, or at least what it thought it wanted.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Moss’s body wouldn’t move at first, but when he saw the reporters scurrying in his direction, his instinct kicked in.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro