1
as in accidental
not made or done willingly or by choice
my long stays on the sidelines during our football games were strictly involuntary
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
breathing is involuntary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in compulsory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
the abolition of involuntary servitude by civilized society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of involuntary
He was later charged with attempting to flee the scene, involuntary homicide and bodily harm.
—
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Feb. 2025
There’s also another attempt to ban involuntary servitude.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2025
If carried out, the mass layoffs would cut NASA's workforce by 10% and mark the largest involuntary workforce reduction at the agency since the end of the Apollo program in 1972, the organization said in a statement.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 Feb. 2025
Southwest has long boasted of never having an involuntary layoff over a history stretching back more than five decades, but the carrier has taken steps to rein in its workforce.
—Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Feb. 2025
There’s also another attempt to ban involuntary servitude.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2025
If carried out, the mass layoffs would cut NASA's workforce by 10% and mark the largest involuntary workforce reduction at the agency since the end of the Apollo program in 1972, the organization said in a statement.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 Feb. 2025
Southwest has long boasted of never having an involuntary layoff over a history stretching back more than five decades, but the carrier has taken steps to rein in its workforce.
—Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involuntary
Adjective
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Cena later handed that watch over to Scott, who entered the fray and started unwinding on Rhodes; wrestling fans on social media are debating whether Scott made actual (and accidental) contact with the bloodied Rhodes, who seemed to genuinely wince after Scott’s punches.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
2 Mar. 2025
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It will be laid on the seabed to a depth of up to 4.3 miles (7 km), with some lengths in shallow waters being buried to protect against accidental or intentional interference.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In one report broadcast on Israel’s Channel 12, Israeli soldiers can be seen working hand in hand with Syrian villagers to collect boxes of artillery rounds, automatic weapons, grenade launchers and other armaments.—
Uriel Heilman,
New York Daily News,
2 Mar. 2025
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The settlement applies to consumers who enrolled in a Streamlabs Pro automatic renewal subscription after adding a GIF or effect to their donation and were then billed a monthly fee for the subscription between March 3, 2018, and May 17, 2022.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Hybrid and flexible work environments that are built around intentional in-person experiences rather than compulsory presence can drive greater innovation and engagement.—
Solange Charas,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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India, in less than two years, subjected millions of citizens to compulsory sterilization.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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While the photo recreation may seem spontaneous, Evelyn told Newsweek that her mom was the real mastermind behind it.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Yellowstone Vacations tours are designed to allow for plenty of spontaneous wildlife stops, making each tour slightly different from the last.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
12 Mar. 2025
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The vehicle is also fitted with a lower front valance skid plate, for mechanical protection.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Several provisions of Florida public records law stood out: • Attorney fee-shifting is mandatory.—
David Cuillier,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2025
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The suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment as stated under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Survivors and their families are often unwilling or unable to come forward due to challenges accessing services, along with fears of stigma, rejection by their family or community and retribution from armed groups.—
Sarah Ferguson,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
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Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, the ICC can step in when countries are unwilling or unable to prosecute suspects for the most heinous international crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Engineered to deliver booming bass at all volume levels, the speaker sports dual 58mm tweeters, a 165mm bass driver, a bass reflex tube and BlueAnt’s signature psycho-acoustic bass.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Common triggers include dehydration from illness, vasovagal syncope—a reflex response to nausea or pain—abnormal heart rhythms, and heart valve conditions such as aortic stenosis.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involuntary. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
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