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

The 35-year-old Englishman has often been accused of not showing enough killer instinct in the key moments of majors - and that could be levelled at him again this week.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Caused Scotland problems but missed a killer instinct.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

I have zero killer instinct and, like most Americans today, no military background.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025

But although City monopolised possession, they lacked a killer instinct and paid for a sloppy piece of defending in the 23rd minute.

From Barron's ● Nov. 25, 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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