instinct
4 synonyms and 4 antonyms for instinct, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A behavior or urge that comes naturally, without being learned.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
gut feeling
Antonyms
How to use instinct
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
maternal instinct
gut instinct
survival instinct
act on instinct
Etymology
From Latin instinctus, "impulse, instigation" — from instinguere, "to incite or spur on."
Full origin of instinct →Frequently asked questions
What does “instinct” mean?
The word “instinct” means a behavior or urge that comes naturally, without being learned. In plain terms, a built-in, automatic reaction — either biological (like animal instinct) or a quick unexplained hunch.
How do you pronounce “instinct”?
“Instinct” is pronounced IHN-stihngkt (/ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “instinct” in a sentence?
Here is “instinct” used in a sentence: “Migration is driven by instinct in many bird species.”
What part of speech is “instinct”?
“Instinct” is a noun.
Where does the word “instinct” come from?
The word “instinct” comes from Latin. From Latin instinctus, "impulse, instigation" — from instinguere, "to incite or spur on.".
Is “instinct” a common word?
“Instinct” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “instinct” have?
“Instinct” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a behavior or urge that comes naturally, without being learned.
What is the difference between instinct and intuition?
Instinct refers to a behavior or urge that comes naturally without being learned, often shared across a species, while intuition is more personal, describing a gut feeling or immediate understanding based on accumulated experience rather than innate biology. Both can describe knowing something without conscious reasoning, but instinct leans biological and intuition leans experiential.
What is a common phrase using instinct?
Common phrases include "maternal instinct," "survival instinct," and "trust your instinct," all referring to natural urges or gut reactions that guide behavior without deliberate thought.
Is instinct always accurate?
Not necessarily. Instinct describes an unlearned urge or gut reaction, but it is not a guarantee of correctness, since instincts can sometimes mislead, especially in unfamiliar or complex situations.
