instinct

[in-stingkt] / ˈɪn stɪŋkt /

NOUN

gut feeling, idea

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aptitude feeling hunch impulse inclination intuition knack savvy sense sentiment talent tendency

STRONG

faculty gift know-how nose predisposition proclivity urge

WEAK

funny feeling gut reaction sixth sense

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inability incapacity lack

STRONG

disinclination

WEAK

knowledge reason

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

If only they’d heeded their instinct to keep quiet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

"I just had a gut instinct that something wasn't right," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

That instinct is rooted in a series of shocks that have quietly reshaped household balance sheets.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

It was much colder in the Cursed Forest, and as if on instinct, the Witchlings pulled closer together.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega