Search Dictionary
Definition of instinctually

instinctually

/ɪnˈstɪŋktʃuəli/
in · stinc · tu · al · ly
Adjective:instinctual
JUMP TO:

instinctually Lexical Profile

instinctually Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

By means of or in accordance with an innate, unlearned biological impulse or natural inclination rather than conscious thought or training.

Example

"Sea turtle hatchlings instinctually orient themselves toward the brightest horizon immediately after emerging from their nest."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for instinctually
Antonyms
View all antonyms for instinctually

Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably with 'instinctively' in everyday speech, 'instinctually' is preferred in psychology and biology to specify behavior driven strictly by innate, biological instincts rather than acquired habits or quick reflexes.

• Rhymes for instinctually

• Nearby Words

instinctive
instinctively
instinctual
instinctually
institute
institution
institutional

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Instinctually. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/instinctually
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.