KILLER INSTINCT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

killer instinct

noun

Definition of killer instinct

as in overambitiousness

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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 killer instinct The entrepreneur and lifestyle icon has built a career out of creating and celebrating beautiful things, but a killer instinct for business is why her career has far outpaced the men’s around her. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026 During the third, his killer instinct shifted focus. — Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026 Piastri, 24, showed glimpses of that killer instinct in 2025, finishing third and cementing himself as one of the sport’s best drivers in his third full season. — Roman Stubbs, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026 UConn is 22-1, has won 18 in a row, is 7-0 in true road games, ranked third in the nation, and the coach is no longer lamenting a lack of killer instinct, but showing the lack of respect card. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for killer instinct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer instinct

Noun

Vegetables and Starches Like fruit, some vegetables and starches contain natural sugars.

— Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2026
Thanks to their high levels of mostly soluble dietary fiber and resistant starch, chickpeas have a probiotic effect, acting as an energy source and encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome.

— Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of starch

Noun

The fight itself became a contest of grit between two legends—both past their prime but unbroken in will.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Lange, bless her, lends some stability to this narratively shaky material through her performance, effectively conveying a mix of vulnerability and grit as Constance.

— Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of grit

Noun

The friends haven’t seen each other in some time, though Frankie spends many an evening parked outside the hospice in his car, summoning the gumption to visit.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Slight, lightning quick and with mesmerizing ballhanding, Iverson attacked defenses on the perimeter and in the paint with equal parts of fearlessness and relentlessness, guile and gumption.

— Rob Peterson, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of gumption

Noun

But don’t let the relatable career-girl pluck of the movie dilute the fact that this song is pissed off about capitalism, even as its hooks make the grind of working life more bearable.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The opening acoustic guitar plucks were full in the lower frequencies while showing enough treble finesse to convey fine string texture.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026

Definition of pluck

Noun

Riffing on the spirit of COMO Shambhala, yoga and wellbeing is a huge focus here; an open-air pavilion hosts different sessions and therapies.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The family described the teen as a fearless, curious and deeply imaginative young man with an ambitious spirit who inspired those around him.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of spirit

Noun

Much of the president's frustration has come after the court ruled against him on some of his central initiatives, including tariffs and birthright citizenship.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Earlier in the year, Abundantia announced another AI studio initiative, teaming with AI video tech company InVideo to launch a film studio, which will develop a slate of five films over the next few years.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of initiative

Noun

Its rural nature — isolated from the rest of the country and with many of its communities accessible only by air or water — breeds a self-reliance.

— Becky Bohrer, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
In response to international aid cuts, the African Union has urged its member states to strengthen self-reliance and regional economic cooperation.

— Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of self-reliance

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“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/killer%20instinct. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of killer instinct

noun

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