killer instinct

noun

Synonyms of killer instinctnext
: an aggressive tenacious urge for domination in a struggle to attain a set goal

Examples of killer instinct in a Sentence

Her killer instincts have helped her become one of the top tennis players in the world.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When a tragic event makes her hell-bent for revenge, Jackie determines to take out the Demons one by one, unleashing her old killer instincts. — John Hopewell, Variety, 28 July 2026 Jon Moxley argued with a conflicted Will Ospreay as Ospreay struggled to find a killer instinct and pull the trigger on his ailing friend. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Kylian Mbappe of France and Norway’s Erling Haaland also got two goals each with the kind of mobility and killer instinct that Ronaldo has simply not shown in recent major tournaments. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 18 June 2026 Strong, powerful, killer instinct mentality wise. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for killer instinct

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of killer instinct was in 1931

Browse Nearby Words

killer-diller
killer instinct
killer plant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20instinct. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for killer instinct

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