Meaning & use

Instinctually

adverb·Everyday

Last updated

In a manner driven by instinct rather than conscious thought or reasoning.

See it in a sentence

She instinctually pulled her hand back from the hot stove.

Animals often react instinctually to sudden loud noises.

A note on using this word

Often used interchangeably with 'instinctively,' though some style guides prefer the latter as more standard.

Words with a similar meaning

instinctivelyautomatically

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

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