mechanical

adjective

mi-ˈka-ni-kəl How to pronounce mechanical (audio)
Definition of mechanicalnext
1
as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision the waiter's mechanical reply of "Everything on the menu is good"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unnatural
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality a somewhat mechanical vocal performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mechanical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mechanical are automatic, impulsive, instinctive, and spontaneous. While all these words mean "acting or activated without deliberation," mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

When might automatic be a better fit than mechanical?

While in some cases nearly identical to mechanical, automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

When would impulsive be a good substitute for mechanical?

While the synonyms impulsive and mechanical are close in meaning, impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

When can instinctive be used instead of mechanical?

The synonyms instinctive and mechanical are sometimes interchangeable, but instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

When is spontaneous a more appropriate choice than mechanical?

Although the words spontaneous and mechanical have much in common, spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mechanical For instance, the majority of Pakistan’s textile waste is processed through mechanical recycling, which is best suited for mono-fiber materials and poses significant challenges when dealing with blended materials. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 3 Apr. 2025 The hotel where Gardner died has not yet commented on the toxicology report, but previously said that high levels of carbon monoxide detected were in an adjacent mechanical room, not Miller Garnder's. —David Brennan, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025 Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2025 On Facebook, the city government shared images of cracks in the walls of the lazy river, rust in the mechanical room and chipping concrete on a pedestrian bridge. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mechanical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mechanical
  1. automatic
  2. unnatural
  3. robotic
  4. mock
  5. mechanic
  6. strained
  7. reflex
  8. artificial
Adjective
  • Request an automatic extension while filing through IRS Free File. File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return by mail, through an e-filing option or with a tax professional.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Many of these duties are automatic, such as confidentiality between professionals (e.g. doctors, lawyers and accountant and their clients).
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.
    — Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The body can also adapt to constant stress by staying in a heightened state of alertness, making peace feel unnatural.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • The lander's robotic drill and scoop collected 4.27 lbs (1.935 kilograms) of basaltic regolith from the SPA basin before returning it to Earth.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Or mostly robotic, at least—the fruit flies the researchers used would occasionally go their own way, despite strong inducements to stay with the program.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of robotic
Adjective
  • Afterward, a mock court-martial was held, complete with the sentencing and execution of a private accused of desertion.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In mock drafts, Hampton is often mocked to the early twenties or even late twenties to a team like the Washington Commanders.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.
    — Kelli Bender, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • His current mechanic shop is basically a retirement hobby, something to pass the time.
    — Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of mechanic
Adjective
  • While petty revenge can be amusing—and satisfying in the moment—Best suggested a different approach to dealing with strained neighbor relationships.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Throughout the series, the strained relationship between father and son highlights the repercussions of family communication breakdowns.
    — Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • But ultimately, the week ended with a pretty good array of extremes in selling pressure and hedging demand of the sort that should turn the risk-reward more favorable for a reflex bounce before too long.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The reflex reaction would be to suggest that without Stiller and Goretzka, Germany lost control in midfield.
    — Manuel Veth, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • Plus, the Star Theatre will be decorated with thousands of candles and artificial flowers.
    — San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
  • But she’s soon embroiled in a case: A barrel containing the skeleton of a child surfaces from the artificial lake, at the bottom of which lies the submerged old village.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of artificial

Browse Nearby Words

mechanic
mechanical
mechanics
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Cite this Entry

“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mechanical. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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