as in willingly
of one's own free will
you took part in this voluntarily, so you have no cause to complain
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Recent Examples of voluntarily
But as anyone knows who’s ever lost — or even voluntarily relinquished — a foundational piece of themselves, to understand loss is not the same as to accept it.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Some employers may choose to report the amount voluntarily—such as in Box 14 of Form W-2 or through an online portal—but many will not.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Waiting for the ultra-wealthy to voluntarily fund the common good isn’t a viable strategy.
—Joe Wilkins Published Jan 22, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026
No former president has ever been successfully forced to appear before Congress, although some have voluntarily appeared.
—Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Rather than amend the complaint and risk another adverse ruling that could permanently terminate her claims, Taylor voluntarily withdrew the case to await the new legislation.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2026
The same could be said for Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe II, 85, who two years ago voluntarily abdicated the throne to make way for her son.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 18 Jan. 2026
Those who have already claimed Social Security retirement benefits and who have reached full retirement age may consider voluntarily suspending their monthly checks while the senior bonus is in effect to let their future monthly benefit checks grow, Elsasser said.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2026
The plaintiff later voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 17 Jan. 2026
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Some employers may choose to report the amount voluntarily—such as in Box 14 of Form W-2 or through an online portal—but many will not.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Waiting for the ultra-wealthy to voluntarily fund the common good isn’t a viable strategy.
—Joe Wilkins Published Jan 22, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026
No former president has ever been successfully forced to appear before Congress, although some have voluntarily appeared.
—Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Rather than amend the complaint and risk another adverse ruling that could permanently terminate her claims, Taylor voluntarily withdrew the case to await the new legislation.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2026
The same could be said for Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe II, 85, who two years ago voluntarily abdicated the throne to make way for her son.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 18 Jan. 2026
Those who have already claimed Social Security retirement benefits and who have reached full retirement age may consider voluntarily suspending their monthly checks while the senior bonus is in effect to let their future monthly benefit checks grow, Elsasser said.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2026
The plaintiff later voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voluntarily
Adverb
-
But how many of them — like our old friend the Snake Oil Salesman — willingly gave all of that up for the chance to expunge their lifetimes of trauma?—
Jack King,
Vulture,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The men leveraged their success and used it to attract women, who, their lawyers insist, participated willingly.—
Sasha Pezenik,
ABC News,
20 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
In this space, the living room freely flows into the kitchen and dining area.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Outdoor air must flow freely through the space.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Voluntarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluntarily. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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