ˌən-in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an unintentional encounter with an old classmate at the mall
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spontaneous
not made or done willingly or by choice
an unintentional insult that nevertheless was very hurtful
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unintentional
For individuals with cashew allergies, the unintentional ingestion of even small amounts can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.
—
Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
The study found suicide to be the most common reason for an early death, along with unintentional drug poisoning, respiratory disease and cancer.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
More often than not, however, the trickery is unintentional.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Her vast range of brushstrokes and marks, whether meticulous or unintentional, seems infinite and intrinsically intertwined.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
The study found suicide to be the most common reason for an early death, along with unintentional drug poisoning, respiratory disease and cancer.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
More often than not, however, the trickery is unintentional.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Her vast range of brushstrokes and marks, whether meticulous or unintentional, seems infinite and intrinsically intertwined.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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The coroner found that no foul play was involved, and that his death was accidental.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
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The accidental shooting unfolded on Wednesday inside an apartment in northeast D.C., located on 1700 block of Benning Road.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Conversations are flirtatious and direct, so expect bold texts and spontaneous meetings.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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Bilek said that proposals should be intentional moments, not spontaneous gestures, and partners should openly communicate expectations around commitment to avoid confusion or emotional harm.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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The focus and surgical exactitude that qualified him to guide a missile through the stars would from then on be applied to guiding an unwilling society to the idea that gay Americans were, in every way, deserving of equal rights and respect under the law.—
Evan Brechtel,
NBC news,
22 May 2025
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For potential customers who are either unable or unwilling to install photovoltaic technology on their own property, community solar can be a viable option for bringing renewable energy into their homes, Reed said.—
Amaia Gavica,
Idaho Statesman,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Understand their limitations and the potential for unintended consequences stemming from pure optimization. Appreciation: Savor the immense power and utility these models offer.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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As a result of the Enhanced Games, increasing levels of PED use could reach high school sports, an unintended consequence of the endeavor.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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