1. natural behaviors or responses that animals and humans are born with, not learned
Usage: plural form of instinct
2. natural abilities to know or understand something without conscious reasoning
Usage: plural form of instinct

Examples

• Birds have strong migratory instincts that guide them south for winter.
• A mother’s protective instincts kicked in when she saw her child in danger.
• His business instincts told him the deal was too good to be true.
• Survival instincts helped the hiker find water in the desert.
• She trusted her instincts and avoided the suspicious stranger.
• The detective relied on her instincts to solve the case.
• Basic instincts like hunger and thirst keep us alive.