in·vol·un·tary
(ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē 
-ˌte-rē
plural -es
: the quality or state of being involuntary
Examples of involuntary in a Sentence
Adjective
Breathing and circulation are involuntary processes.
When the door burst open, she let out an involuntary shriek.
The lawyer argued that the client's confession was involuntary.
Recent Examples on the Web
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
29 June 2026
That original documentation was directly linked to the president's executive order, calling for involuntary commitment of people experiencing homelessness.
—
Quil Lawrence,
NPR,
25 June 2026
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
—
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
The cold water gasp reflex is completely involuntary and uncontrollable.
—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
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.
Adjective
Patients stay there for a few days to a week at a time, often until their involuntary commitment expires.
—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
29 June 2026
That original documentation was directly linked to the president's executive order, calling for involuntary commitment of people experiencing homelessness.
—
Quil Lawrence,
NPR,
25 June 2026
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
—
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
The cold water gasp reflex is completely involuntary and uncontrollable.
—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Cite this Entry
“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/involuntary. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
involuntary
adjective
in·vol·un·tary
(ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē
1
: not made or done willingly or from choice : unwilling
2
: being enforced or required : mandatory
3
: not normally under the control of the will
an involuntary response to a stimulus
Medical Definition
involuntary
adjective
in·vol·un·tary
(ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē
: not subject to control of the will : reflex
involuntary contractions
Legal Definition
involuntary
adjective
in·vol·un·tary
in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē
: done, made, or initiated contrary to or without one's choice
an involuntary confession
an involuntary lien
an involuntary plaintiff joined in the action
involuntarily
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
