View synonyms for automatic

automatic

[ aw-tuh-mat-ik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

having the capability of starting, operating, moving, etc., independently:
an automatic sprinkler system; an automatic car wash.
Physiology. occurring independently of volition, as certain muscular actions; involuntary.
done unconsciously or from force of habit; mechanical:
an automatic application of the brakes.
occurring spontaneously:
automatic enthusiasm.
(of a firearm, pistol, etc.) utilizing the recoil or part of the force of the explosive to eject the spent cartridge shell, introduce a new cartridge, cock the arm, and fire it repeatedly.

noun

a machine that operates automatically.
automatic rifle.
automatic pistol.
Football. audible ( def 2 ).
automatic pilot.
automatic transmission.
an automobile equipped with automatic transmission.

automatic

/ ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk; ˌɔːtəʊməˈtɪsɪtɪ /

adjective

performed from force of habit or without conscious thought; lacking spontaneity; mechanical
an automatic smile
1. (of a device, mechanism, etc) able to activate, move, or regulate itself
2. (of an act or process) performed by such automatic equipment
(of the action of a muscle, gland, etc) involuntary or reflex
occurring as a necessary consequence
promotion is automatic after a year
of a firearm
1. utilizing some of the force of or gas from each explosion to eject the empty shell case, replace it with a new one, and fire continuously until release of the trigger Compare semiautomatic
2. short for semiautomatic See also machine

noun

an automatic firearm
a motor vehicle having automatic transmission
a machine that operates automatically

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Derived Forms

automaticity, noun
ˌautoˈmatically, adverb

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Other Words From

au·to·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
au·to·ma·tic·i·ty [aw-t, uh, -m, uh, -, tis, -i-tee], noun
non·au·to·mat·ic adjective
non·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
qua·si-au·to·mat·ic adjective
qua·si-au·to·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
sub·au·to·mat·ic adjective
sub·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
un·au·to·mat·ic adjective
un·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of automatic¹

First recorded in 1740–50; from Greek autómat(os) “self-moving” ( automaton ) + -ic

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Word History and Origins

Origin of automatic¹

C18: from Greek automatos acting independently

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Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

on automatic, being operated or controlled by or as if by an automatic device.

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Synonym Study

Automatic, involuntary, spontaneous all mean not under the control of the will. That which is automatic, however, is an invariable reaction to a fixed type of stimulus: The patella reflex is automatic. That which is involuntary is an unexpected response that varies according to the occasion, circumstances, mood, etc.: an involuntary cry of pain. That which is spontaneous arises from immediate stimuli and usually involves an expression of strong feeling: a spontaneous roar of laughter.

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Example Sentences

And at 18, he was already too old to renounce his automatic South Korean citizenship.

From Los Angeles Times

The Kings entered the weekend third in the Pacific Division, five points up on Vancouver for the division’s final automatic postseason berth.

From Los Angeles Times

Campaigners say automatic enrolment would also bring in millions in extra funding for schools via pupil premium grants.

From BBC

Speaking at a meeting of his cabinet on Wednesday, Trump said the presence of American workers extracting rare earth metals on Ukrainian soil would provide "automatic security" for Ukraine.

From BBC

"We will be on the land and that way there is going to be automatic security because nobody is going to be messing around with our people."

From BBC

Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

automated-teller machine automatically

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