as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
a colleague known for her knee-jerk rejection of any proposal that she didn't originate
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knee-jerk
Are Democrats too knee-jerk to say that all this is unlawful?
—
CBS News, 23 Feb. 2025
Musk have said, arguing that the resistance to DOGE has less to do with opposition to cutting the bureaucracy and more to do with a knee-jerk opposition of anything Trump does.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
Some stocks have since recouped their losses, recovering from the knee-jerk reaction from markets.
—April Roach, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
So, beyond your knee-jerk rejection of his comment, take heed.
—Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
CBS News, 23 Feb. 2025
Musk have said, arguing that the resistance to DOGE has less to do with opposition to cutting the bureaucracy and more to do with a knee-jerk opposition of anything Trump does.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
Some stocks have since recouped their losses, recovering from the knee-jerk reaction from markets.
—April Roach, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
So, beyond your knee-jerk rejection of his comment, take heed.
—Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knee-jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knee-jerk
Adjective
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The North Korean crew had reportedly switched off the ship's automatic identification system (AIS), a common practice when seeking to avoid detection.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The chance to move into the automatic promotion places has slipped away.—
Matt Woosnam,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Engineered to deliver booming bass at all volume levels, the speaker sports dual 58mm tweeters, a 165mm bass driver, a bass reflex tube and BlueAnt’s signature psycho-acoustic bass.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Common triggers include dehydration from illness, vasovagal syncope—a reflex response to nausea or pain—abnormal heart rhythms, and heart valve conditions such as aortic stenosis.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
12 Mar. 2025
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The vehicle is also fitted with a lower front valance skid plate, for mechanical protection.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While the photo recreation may seem spontaneous, Evelyn told Newsweek that her mom was the real mastermind behind it.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
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Yellowstone Vacations tours are designed to allow for plenty of spontaneous wildlife stops, making each tour slightly different from the last.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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As the self-sufficient adolescent Ari, Bateman delivers a performance wise beyond her years, with whip-smart comedic and dramatic timing born from instinctive avoidance.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2025
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Reasons Why Yelling at Kids Doesn't Work Yelling at your kids often feels like an instinctive reaction when anger or frustration takes over.—
Daryl Austin,
Parents,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Super Heavy booster successfully returned to its launch site and settled onto the tower’s robotic arms.—
Denise Chow,
NBC News,
7 Mar. 2025
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Cardiologists were unable to obtain catheter supplies, and other surgeons could not get robotic supplies, Koenig wrote in her July report.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Symptoms can include a sudden, severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness and numbness or weakness on one side of the body or the face.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
14 Mar. 2025
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While the viral video captures the unsettling reality of sudden turbulence, industry statistics highlight the overall safety of modern commercial flights.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
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His current mechanic shop is basically a retirement hobby, something to pass the time.—
Zach Helfand,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knee-jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knee-jerk. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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