reflex
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for reflex, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus, happening without conscious thought.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
reflex action
innate reflex
inborn reflex
reflex response
instinctive reflex
unconditioned reflex
physiological reaction
reflexive
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
An automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus, happening without conscious thought.
“The doctor tapped his knee to test his reflexes.”
reflex action
innate reflex
inborn reflex
reflex response
instinctive reflex
unconditioned reflex
physiological reaction
How to use reflex
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
knee-jerk reflex
quick reflexes
reflex action
Etymology
From Late Latin reflexus ("a bending back"), from reflectere ("to bend back").
Full origin of reflex →Frequently asked questions
What does “reflex” mean?
The word “reflex” means an automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus, happening without conscious thought. In plain terms, an automatic bodily reaction you don't consciously control, like blinking or flinching.
How do you pronounce “reflex”?
“Reflex” is pronounced REEF-lehks (/ˈɹiːflɛks/ in IPA).
How do you use “reflex” in a sentence?
Here is “reflex” used in a sentence: “The doctor tapped his knee to test his reflexes.”
What part of speech is “reflex”?
Depending on how it is used, “reflex” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “reflex” come from?
The word “reflex” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin reflexus ("a bending back"), from reflectere ("to bend back").
Is “reflex” a common word?
“Reflex” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “reflex” have?
“Reflex” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus, happening without conscious thought.
