Instinctive/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Unconscious Response Focus on actions done without prior planning or thought, as if automatic. Her smile was an instinctive response to the compliment. Pro Tip 2/3Inborn Ability Used to describe skills or behaviors that seem to be present from birth. Ducks have an instinctive ability to swim. Pro Tip 3/3Immediate Reaction Refers to a quick, unplanned reaction to a situation or event. He had an instinctive distrust of strangers.