killer instinct

[kil-er in-stingkt] / ˈkɪl ər ˈɪn stɪŋkt /

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competitive adj.
pitiless adj.

ADJECTIVE

competitive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aggressive ambitious competing cutthroat vying

WEAK

antagonistic at odds combative dog-eat-dog emulous killer opposing rival streetwise

Antonyms

WEAK

noncompetitive unambitious

ADJECTIVE

pitiless

Synonyms

WEAK

austere barbarous brutal callous cold coldblooded coldhearted cruel cutthroat dog-eat-dog frigid hardhearted harsh hatchetjob heartless implacable indifferent inexorable inhuman inhumane insensible mean merciless obdurate relentless remorseless ruthless satanic savage soulless stony

Antonyms

WEAK

charitable kind merciful sympathetic

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.

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killer instinct

When the calendar flipped to 2025, Korda’s killer instinct shut back off.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 5, 2026

Marc Cucurella has urged Chelsea to show a killer instinct after their failure to finish off Sunderland in Saturday's damaging 2-1 defeat.

From Barron's ● Oct. 26, 2025

"England had the chances to win that series. Have you got the killer instinct to win the Ashes in Australia? That's going to be the big question."

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2025

The difference is that Australia have got an edge, a killer instinct to dig their heels in and win matches even with their backs to the wall.

From BBC ● Jan. 14, 2025

But the killer instinct is dead in fighters today and it has to be ignited.

From Vital Ingredient by Llewellyn

killer instinct

Example Sentences

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