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.

All he had considered was his reflexive hatred of regulation — regulations that promote well-being; taxes that help communities.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

"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

It has become reflexive, they say, to glance into nearly every vehicle.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2026

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

He hadn’t expected me to answer, maybe had given me up for dead already and was calling now out of some reflexive grief instinct that he couldn’t switch off.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs

Vocabulary lists containing reflexive

Unwind

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Brian's Winter

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Far from the Tree

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