What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instinctual
Example
The mother bird had an instinctual urge to protect her young from danger. [instinctual: adjective]
Example
The baby's instinctual reflexes allowed it to suckle milk from its mother. [instinctual: adjective]
spontaneous
Example
The couple had a spontaneous picnic in the park when they stumbled upon a beautiful spot. [spontaneous: adjective]
Example
She spontaneously burst into song when she heard her favorite tune on the radio. [spontaneously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spontaneous is more commonly used than instinctual in everyday language. Spontaneous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while instinctual is more specific and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instinctual and spontaneous?
Instinctual is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while spontaneous is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
