1
as in volunteer
done, made, or given with one's own free will
a voluntary contribution to the school's fund-raising drive
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice
participation in the resort's recreational activities is strictly voluntary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in conscious
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing
the legal distinctions between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of voluntary
The tip must be voluntary and not negotiated.
—
Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Patriotism may be voluntary, but accountability cannot be.
—Andrew King, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
Future studies should test voluntary vs involuntary retirement and longer follow-up periods.
—New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
His appearance before lawmakers marked a rare voluntary interview, as most witnesses in the committee’s Epstein investigation have appeared under subpoena in recent weeks.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for voluntary
Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Patriotism may be voluntary, but accountability cannot be.
—Andrew King, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
Future studies should test voluntary vs involuntary retirement and longer follow-up periods.
—New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
His appearance before lawmakers marked a rare voluntary interview, as most witnesses in the committee’s Epstein investigation have appeared under subpoena in recent weeks.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for voluntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voluntary
Adjective
-
Within the past couple of years, the group has become a part of Arrowhead Kingdom, an all-volunteer national network of Chiefs fan groups.—
Hannah Kirby,
Journal Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2023
-
That’s noteworthy for a show based at a high-school auditorium in Litchfield and run by a staff that is almost entirely volunteer, including the show’s star and its producer.—
Susan Dunne,
Hartford Courant,
18 Aug. 2022
Adjective
-
The output then feeds into a traditional solid-axle power train, with optional front and rear locking differentials.—
Michael Van Runkle,
Robb Report,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Students can also add an optional 40-minute writing section.—
Krista Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Core emotions originate in the subcortical part of the brain, not in areas under our conscious control.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Despite their closeness, Sulewski makes a conscious effort not to show Eilish on her channel.—
Grace Smith,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Kirk is being celebrated as a champion of free speech who was willing to debate anyone anywhere and who was killed by someone who could not tolerate his views.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The Gang Suppression Force is supposed to be overseen by a group representing the coalition of the willing, troop contributing countries.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Christophe rightly suspected Bonaparte’s deliberate display of military might.—
Marlene L. Daut
September 22,
Literary Hub,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Could that missed phone call on the hiking trail, too, have been deliberate?—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Curry emphasized the intended partnership between club owners and players, which was reflected in changes to the parties’ 2023 collective bargaining agreement (CBA).—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
None of the engagements produced their intended outcomes, and, in the case of Colvin’s dealings with Mauriss, the collapse of their pact led to legal threats.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Unlike traditional western spas that tend to be more individualized, Jjimjibangs are a space where friends and family come together for intentional wellness.—
Essence,
Essence,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Open layouts, chef’s kitchens with top-tier appliances, wine cellars, and thoughtful detailing make every space feel intentional yet effortless.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Parker will play Mary Washington, George’s strong willed mother, while Rodgers will play Sally Cary, the charming beauty of the Virginia gentry who first sees his potential.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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Claiborne said the property was eventually willed to Vanderbilt University, which in turn sold it to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in 1968.—
Austin Hornbostel,
The Tennessean,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Voluntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluntary. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.
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