Pavlovian

adjective

Pav·​lov·​i·​an pav-ˈlȯ-vē-ən How to pronounce Pavlovian (audio)
-ˈlō-;
-ˈlȯ-fē- How to pronounce Pavlovian (audio)
Synonyms of Pavloviannext
1
: of or relating to Ivan Pavlov or to his work and theories
Pavlovian conditioning
2
: being or expressing a conditioned or predictable reaction : automatic
the candidates gave Pavlovian answers

Examples of Pavlovian 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.
The concept became so ingrained at Villanova that the word became near Pavlovian. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 June 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 Not only does Pavlovian enter with the most starts (10), its owner and trainer have twice won the Derby together. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 2 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for Pavlovian

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Pavlovian was in 1926

Rhymes for Pavlovian

See All Rhymes for Pavlovian

Browse Nearby Words

Pavlova
Pavlovian
Pavo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pavlovian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pavlovian. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

Pavlovian

adjective
Pav·​lov·​ian pav-ˈlȯ-vē-ən How to pronounce Pavlovian (audio) -ˈlō-; -ˈlȯ-fē- How to pronounce Pavlovian (audio)
: of or relating to Ivan Pavlov or to his work and theories
Pavlovian conditioning
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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