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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of involuntary
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
Time will tell if Gov. Hochul’s response — a proposal to expand involuntary commitment laws to allow hospitals to compel more mentally ill individuals into treatment — will address the surge in subway violence.
—Paul Dreyer, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025
However, less than 4 percent of the federal workforce accepted the buyouts, leading the administration to proceed with involuntary terminations, particularly focusing on probationary employees.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Only the muscle twitching in her neck betrays this queenly act; how Shaw manages to switch on this apparently involuntary tell is a thespian mystery.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
Time will tell if Gov. Hochul’s response — a proposal to expand involuntary commitment laws to allow hospitals to compel more mentally ill individuals into treatment — will address the surge in subway violence.
—Paul Dreyer, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025
However, less than 4 percent of the federal workforce accepted the buyouts, leading the administration to proceed with involuntary terminations, particularly focusing on probationary employees.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Only the muscle twitching in her neck betrays this queenly act; how Shaw manages to switch on this apparently involuntary tell is a thespian mystery.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involuntary
Adjective
-
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
-
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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His dominant performance on Saturday reflected the automatic nature of the former UConn great.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Creates opportunities for mentorship and career development through spontaneous interactions.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Those days of spontaneous travel and memorable experiences don't have to be over.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
When first announced in 2011, the Aston Martin Cygnet piqued global interest: a tiny sub 845kg (curb weight) hatchback with Aston mechanical gubbins.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Features like taking down mechanical beasts by targeting weaknesses, keeping elemental resistances in mind, and severing specific limbs to craft gear are all resonant in PlayStation’s flagship series.—
Diego Argüello,
Rolling Stone,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
And given the mandatory retirement age, the FAA must grapple with constant attrition.—
Avery Lotz,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
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The bill instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, to slash $880 billion in mandatory spending.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Among the 15 people who work at Duffy’s is Russell’s long-time business partner Jim Fab, who still toils in the kitchen making soups and sauces and whatever else needs done, long past retirement age but unwilling to stop working.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
28 Feb. 2025
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The Trump Administration appears unwilling to let Europe leverage its noisy but dilatory contributions to the Ukraine war into a seat at the negotiating table.—
The Wall Street Journal,
Twin Cities,
28 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 2025.
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