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
Relevance
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
The owner of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic was arrested last week and charged with involuntary homicide over the tragic roof collapse on April 8 where 235 people died and nearly 200 more were injured.
—
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 June 2025
California has already sued the federal government to block involuntary federal military deployments within its borders.
—State Rep. Matt Blumenthal, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025
Polls make clear that New Yorkers want action on involuntary psychiatric hospitalization.
—Stephen Eide, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
The Department of Education also initiated involuntary collections efforts against defaulted federal student loan borrowers last week, putting many at risk of wage garnishment and federal benefits offset.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 June 2025
California has already sued the federal government to block involuntary federal military deployments within its borders.
—State Rep. Matt Blumenthal, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025
Polls make clear that New Yorkers want action on involuntary psychiatric hospitalization.
—Stephen Eide, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
The Department of Education also initiated involuntary collections efforts against defaulted federal student loan borrowers last week, putting many at risk of wage garnishment and federal benefits offset.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involuntary
Adjective
-
Most hot-car deaths are accidental Being stressed can increase your likelihood of memory lapses that lead to leaving your child in a car, according to a prominent cognitive neuroscience expert who has researched the function of memory in such tragedies.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
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Her manner of death was determined to be accidental.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Instead, their relationship is built on a secure emotional foundation that makes these behaviors natural and automatic over time.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Some conservatives and the Trump White House are receptive to the argument that an extension of tax cuts should not be deemed an automatic addition to deficits.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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In a landmark move aimed at bolstering Denmark's military readiness, the Scandinavian country is extending compulsory enlistment to women for the first time.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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Her boyfriend was on an Iranian base doing compulsory military service; unreachable and potentially in danger.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Dating rocks involves using radiometric techniques that harness the natural and spontaneous radioactive decay of certain elements in the rock, which acts as a type of clock.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
27 June 2025
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If a dog park is too much, just walking your pup around your neighborhood or visiting local breweries or restaurants with dog-friendly patios can lead to spontaneous chats and recurring friendly encounters.—
Sunny Hubler,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
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This is true whether the clot is small or large and regardless of its density—but reliably removing the densest clots via mechanical means has proved an elusive task.—
Ani Freedman,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The statute imposed various mandatory prison terms for violating the law.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
9 July 2025
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According to Vought, those figures include discretionary and mandatory spending included in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on Friday.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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But this option only applies to those unwilling to return to China, Fan explains, as such affidavits lose force if an immigrant ever re-enters China.—
Ashish Valentine,
NPR,
29 June 2025
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There, Jeff’s aptitude for all things science became apparent and his siblings became unwilling participants in his experiments.—
Alex Gurley,
People.com,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Some bass-heavy speakers can create an annoying booming sound from the reflex port at the rear of the speaker.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
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Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involuntary. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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