ˌən-in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an unintentional encounter with an old classmate at the mall
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spontaneous
not made or done willingly or by choice
an unintentional insult that nevertheless was very hurtful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unintentional
But the main thing that happened, which was unintentional, is that Americans got much older.
—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Thanks to his passion for gardening, O’Connor might also be the unintentional celebrity figurehead of the analog hobby movement.
—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 June 2026
While often subtle and unintentional, these patterns contribute to the perception that men's expertise carries greater authority.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
It's played as a moment of jealousy when his father compliments Tony, but some fans aren't so quick to view it as unintentional.
—
Austin Perry Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Thanks to his passion for gardening, O’Connor might also be the unintentional celebrity figurehead of the analog hobby movement.
—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 June 2026
While often subtle and unintentional, these patterns contribute to the perception that men's expertise carries greater authority.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
It's played as a moment of jealousy when his father compliments Tony, but some fans aren't so quick to view it as unintentional.
—
Austin Perry Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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Always turn off the electricity and water supply line and remove nearby light fixtures when dealing with bursting ceiling pipes to avoid accidental electrocution.
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In fact, the two met via an accidental Instagram follow.
Adjective
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First, bringing tried-and-true basics allows for spontaneous styling, rather than trying to plan every outfit ahead of time.
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The spontaneous pregnancy was so rare that even some medical professionals struggled to explain its odds.
Adjective
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The major platforms, Ringelstein argued, are simply incapable of doing what Zigazoo does — not unwilling, but structurally unable.
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Baer believes that most people’s problems stem from being raised by parents unable or unwilling to offer the sort of love that seeks nothing in return.
Adjective
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When planning his funeral, an unintended slight could ignite the reordering of eulogists or the dropping and replacement of a pallbearer, only for them to be brought back again days later.
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Much to Bear’s astonishment, the wish comes true, but with unintended consequences as Nikki dangerously obsesses over him and resorts to deadly measures to prove her love for him.
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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