KILLER INSTINCT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

killer instinct

noun

Definition of killer instinct

as in overambitiousness

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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 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

And while wild barley proved to be better for converting starches into fermentable sugars, some brewers continued to make wheat beers, often using primarily barley and a smaller percentage of wheat.

— Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
Sweet potatoes naturally contain resistant starch, which is a type of starch that escapes digestion and does not raise blood sugar.

— Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of starch

Noun

But what her mum did have was grit, raising her children alone and working three jobs to keep ponies in their lives.

— Gemma Redrup, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
That Crowley came from behind to win was a testament to Evers’ grit and determination to keep the nomination from Hong, whom Evers said was unlikely to win in November, and to how terrible of a campaigner Hong turned out to be in the home stretch.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of grit

Noun

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
Star City earns its FAM bonafides by remembering that gigantic expressions of yearning and gumption are what this franchise does best.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Definition of gumption

Noun

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
With every pluck, the strings seem to vibrate in the air in front of you, blurring like bees’ wings.

— Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026

Definition of pluck

Noun

In that spirit, don’t expect to see superstars such as Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evans, Trent Williams, Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw or Nick Bosa.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
The backstory L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property, was built in 1929 as a commission for Allen Knight, an adventurer and author, as a way to bring together the artistic spirit of Carmel-by-the-Sea and European traditions.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirit

Noun

Sustainability initiatives With the ship redo, Windstar added more energy efficient engines that reduce emissions of nitrous and sulfur oxides Advanced wastewater treatment systems were also installed.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
The Project has transformed tragedy into opportunity and remembrance into action, creating programs and initiatives designed to empower young people, strengthen communities, and open doors that too often remain closed.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of initiative

Noun

These positive economic conditions make this visit even more timely, given the nation’s need for capital to continue its own self-reliance and economic growth.

— Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Yet a rupture with the United States, doomed to a long night of Trumpism, seems unlikely, to say nothing of a future of European self-reliance.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of killer instinct

noun

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