1. not based on or explained by mechanical principles or physical laws; not treating something as a machine or purely physical system
Usage: formal; often used in philosophy, biology, and social sciences
2. not automatic or routine; involving thought, intention, or conscious choice rather than rote procedure
Usage: less common

Examples

• The philosopher argued for a nonmechanistic view of consciousness that cannot be reduced to brain chemistry alone.
• Modern biology increasingly adopts nonmechanistic approaches that consider organisms as complex, integrated systems.
• Her nonmechanistic teaching style encouraged students to think critically rather than memorize formulas.
• The therapist took a nonmechanistic approach to healing, addressing emotional and spiritual dimensions.
• Nonmechanistic explanations of human behavior account for culture, emotion, and free will.
• The artist rejected nonmechanistic repetition in favor of spontaneous, creative expression.