spontaneity

noun

spon·​ta·​ne·​i·​ty ˌspän-tə-ˈnē-ə-tē  -ˈnā- 

1

: the quality or state of being spontaneous

2

: voluntary or undetermined action or movement

also : its source

Synonyms

• abandon
• abandonment
• ease
• lightheartedness
• naturalness
• spontaneousness
• unconstraint
• uninhibitedness
• unrestraint

Examples of spontaneity in a Sentence

the spontaneity of their behavior

the couple sacrificed some of the spontaneity in their lives when they both got nine-to-five jobs

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, the founder of the cult design store and gallery Tiwa Select notes that this sense of spontaneity is very well-planned. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2023

Observers have often lamented a lack of spontaneity or surprises surrounding the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, particularly since HBO began broadcasting the event in 1995. —Al Shipley, SPIN, 4 Nov. 2023

Drawing was an early and lifelong obsession, and the ease and spontaneity of many of these images suggest a virtuoso ability to capture passing moments with astonishing speed. —Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023

The play portion of her creative residency looked like this for Ellis: saying yes to activities that sparked joy, no matter how small, intentionally seeking moments of playfulness and spontaneity, resisting a rigid agenda, and allowing more wiggle room for activities. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Sep. 2023

So nothing is left to spontaneity, both in- LA: [laughs]. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2023

This goes back to the essence of Takase and her hands on approach and spontaneity in her work. —ELLE, 8 Sep. 2023

Can emotion or spontaneity ever be captured by an algorithm? —Christopher Soto, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2023

Royal is the only one who can throw Etheline off her game, and the way Huston springs to life in those scenes gives the film a rare sense of spontaneity. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 June 2023

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Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin spontāneitāt-, spontāneitās, from Late Latin spontāneus "voluntary, unconstrained, spontaneous" + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spontaneity

noun

spon·​ta·​ne·​ity

ˌspänt-ən-ˈē-ət-ē,

ˌspänt-ᵊn-,

-ˈā-ət-

: the quality or state of being spontaneous