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
According to Souther, Perrine began experiencing involuntary shaking in 2011 that worsened with the onset of an illness that led to professional and financial difficulties.
—
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
Her daughter had involuntary movement, so her limbs were always moving.
—Melonee Hurt, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
My relationship with my mother has always been strained due to her condition and now after her second involuntary psychiatric hold things are worse.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
Bladder infections, often referred to as cystitis, frequently manifest with symptoms such as burning, frequency, urgency, enuresis (involuntary urination) and a foul odor.
—Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
Her daughter had involuntary movement, so her limbs were always moving.
—Melonee Hurt, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
My relationship with my mother has always been strained due to her condition and now after her second involuntary psychiatric hold things are worse.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
Bladder infections, often referred to as cystitis, frequently manifest with symptoms such as burning, frequency, urgency, enuresis (involuntary urination) and a foul odor.
—Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involuntary
Adjective
-
Garland died in 1969, of an accidental overdose of sleeping pills, but the tragedy did not hamper Minnelli’s ascent.—
Matt Weinstock,
New Yorker,
25 Mar. 2026
-
An accidental house fire displaced seven people, including one child, early Wednesday in south Fort Worth.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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With automatic runner Bo Bichette also aboard at second, Robert reached down and drove a 1-0 slider over the left-center fence for his first homer with the Mets.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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For many years now, that increase has been automatic based on growth in the national average wage index.—
Tom Margenau,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But the trial judge, not the jury, will rule on any compulsory changes for Meta at the trial’s second stage in May.—
Peter Weber,
TheWeek,
25 Mar. 2026
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Fittingly, the summit’s resemblance to summer camp fostered a mood of compulsory cheer.—
Gaby Del Valle,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Even a spontaneous side order of roasted carrots with pomegranate yogurt is haunting me, in a wonderful way.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
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And Stanford forbade spontaneous demonstrations across much of campus.—
Rose Horowitch,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Form Insoles combine mechanical arch support with a neuro-stimulating texture, which is proven to reduce foot fatigue and arch pain by increasing overall foot awareness and foot posture.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Until the economies of scale kicked in that would shove mechanical movements into near oblivion within a decade, quartz watches were priced well at the luxury end of the market.—
David Szondy
March 28,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Before going on hiatus in 2022 so that the group’s seven members could complete their mandatory military service, BTS was unequivocally the biggest band in the world.—
Mitch Therieau,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are mandatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics.—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Both remind me of Ray’s leads, who sense that they’re being thwarted or not meeting expectations, but seem unable or unwilling to resolve anything.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
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Mueller repeatedly referred questioners back to the text of his report, apparently unwilling—or unable—to add any words of his own.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Every time missiles fly over the Middle East, the same reflex kicks in: Traders panic, headlines scream about $100 oil, and columnists invoke the 1973 Arab oil embargo.—
Wael Mahdi,
semafor.com,
1 Mar. 2026
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There was a reflex stop on a David Kämpf flash rebound in the second period.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involuntary. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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