reflexive

[ri-flek-siv] / rɪˈflɛk sɪv /

ADJECTIVE

involuntary

Synonyms

STRONGEST

compulsory forced spontaneous uncontrolled unintentional

WEAK

automatic begrudging blind conditioned grudging habitual impulsive instinctive instinctual knee-jerk obligatory reflex reluctant uncalculated unconscious unintended unmeditated unpremeditated unprompted unthinking unwilling unwitting will-less

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deliberate intended planned voluntary

WEAK

conscious intentional unforced

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.

"There are some people whose reflexive reaction to any kind of major event is to claim it's fake and staged, no matter what it is," Rothschild told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

For the hedge knight who inspired Baelor’s intervention, the motives are more reflexive.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

Amit Agarwal, Slaughter’s lawyer, struggled to break through their impenetrable certitude, facing reflexive hostility at every turn.

From Slate • Dec. 8, 2025

Patriotism was ennobling, self-sacrifice was reflexive; heroism was rewarded, and everybody was proudly in this fight together.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

But mostly there was a kind of reflexive professionalism and an uncommon immersion of the aviators into philosophical speculation.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Vocabulary lists containing reflexive

Unwind

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Brian's Winter

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Far from the Tree

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