mechanistic

adjective

mech·​a·​nis·​tic ˌme-kə-ˈni-stik How to pronounce mechanistic (audio)
1
: mechanically determined
2
: of or relating to a mechanism or the doctrine of mechanism
3
: mechanical
mechanistically
ˌme-kə-ˈni-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce mechanistic (audio)
adverb

Examples of mechanistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
If Cammarata is correct, then mechanistic interpretation may be more effective than many had assumed. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 For example, there’s a lot happening in mechanistic interpretability here at DeepMind. — David Berreby, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Oct. 2026 Increasingly, regulators are evaluating how clinical data, computational models, biomarkers, real-world evidence and mechanistic understanding work together to support a development decision. — Mirjam Trame, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Carugati said the team hasn't found a genetic or mechanistic explanation for the convergence. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mechanistic

Word History

Etymology

mechan(ical) entry 1 or mechan(ism) + -istic

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of mechanistic was in 1884

Rhymes for mechanistic

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Browse Nearby Words

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mechanistic
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Cite this Entry

“Mechanistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanistic. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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