Pavlovian

adjective

Definition of Pavloviannext
as in reflex

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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 Pavlovian Publications from the Times on down employ clickbait headlines that treat you like a starving rat in a Pavlovian experiment. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 O’Neill, who also has Pavlovian as a starter, named Cristian Torres to ride Robusta because Emisael Jaramillo had commitments at Santa Anita. — Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026 Having been in a couple of recent street fights in Derby qualifying races, Pavlovian looks to have a haymaker’s chance. — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Why this is so is based on a number of factors, including official priorities, trade-offs, and what many suspect is Pavlovian manipulation. — New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Pavlovian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Pavlovian
  1. reflex
  2. subconscious
  3. visceral
  4. conditioned
  5. subliminal
  6. reactive
  7. unconscious
  8. automatic
Adjective
  • Padmini smiled, though this appeared more reflex than friendliness.
    — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • One breath, just long enough to let the reflex pass and judgment catch up.
    — Alfonso Cahero, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • Solms also makes a credible claim that Freud was right in speaking about a subconscious drive to seek pleasure.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026
  • We are swayed by subconscious gestures that ultimately have no bearing on a person’s ability to do a job, like poor posture or a weak handshake.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of subconscious
Adjective
  • Impeachment in abeyance Impeachment, which has a visceral appeal to certain of those deeply aggrieved by this lawless president, is not a first resort, Garcia said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Waist circumference is one simple way to estimate visceral fat.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of visceral
Adjective
  • As the protagonist Ben in Night of the Living Dead (1968), Duane Jones unveiled a distinct facet of pre-conditioned Black martyrdom.
    — Malik Peay, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2023
  • The new formula is infused with a luscious blend of flower oils so that lashes feel conditioned and supple to the touch.
    — Daisy Maldonado, SELF, 13 Sep. 2022
Definition of conditioned
Adjective
  • Her minimalist expression is matched by Hildur Gudnadóttir’s almost subliminal composition and sound design that now represents a beating heart, now thundering clouds.
    — Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than questioning the practice of manifesting more broadly, though, Theiadora thinks the problem lies with a handful of rogue subliminal creators.
    — Daisy Schofield, Allure, 13 July 2026
Definition of subliminal
Adjective
  • O’Connell is mostly reactive at first, with Larry skeptical about Rupert’s ambitions and hesitant to seem too eager.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This diagnostic shift moves management out of reactive fire-fighting and into intentional system design.
    — Natalie Grabher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of reactive
Adjective
  • Abdullah was beaten unconscious as Bradley rushed to her side to check on her.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Greyson, the psychiatrist and researcher, recalls trying to talk to an unconscious woman brought into the emergency room early in his career.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconscious
Adjective
  • While most of the vandals ripping down automatic license plate readers prefer to go incognito, an Albuquerque character named Jevon Martinez isn’t afraid to show his face.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Shohei Ohtani struck out four consecutive times for the first time this season, including in the 10th with an automatic runner at third.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of automatic

Browse Nearby Words

paving the way (for)
Pavlovian
paw
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Cite this Entry

“Pavlovian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Pavlovian. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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