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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of involuntary
Tourette is a highly misunderstood neurological disorder; its most significant symptoms are involuntary and unwanted tics — either physical or vocal, the Tourette Association of America explains.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Friends and colleagues would surface his father’s videos unexpectedly, creating moments of involuntary confrontation.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 June 2026
Inmates executed by nitrogen gas have displayed various levels of shaking during the executions, and lawyers for the state and inmates have disagreed on whether those are involuntary or a sign of suffering.
—
Kim Chandler,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
On the other hand, the court dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims that withholding privileges or credits constituted involuntary servitude.
—
Julia Bowling,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Friends and colleagues would surface his father’s videos unexpectedly, creating moments of involuntary confrontation.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 June 2026
Inmates executed by nitrogen gas have displayed various levels of shaking during the executions, and lawyers for the state and inmates have disagreed on whether those are involuntary or a sign of suffering.
—
Kim Chandler,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
On the other hand, the court dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims that withholding privileges or credits constituted involuntary servitude.
—
Julia Bowling,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involuntary
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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Miller got a fly ball out that moved the automatic runner to third base and then a strikeout before a single by Wyatt Langford brought in a run.
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The youngest of five siblings, she was born just one month after the country rescinded automatic birthright citizenship.
Adjective
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Since Israel’s founding, members of the community who devoted themselves to Torah studies have been exempt from the nation’s compulsory military service.
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Simply sitting with the idea that death is compulsory and irreversible is too hard.
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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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
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Of the two teams Genesis fielded, one was forced out early due to mechanical issues, but the other team finished, placing 13th in a field of 62 (though not all teams finished the race).
Adjective
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Now, the one-year grace period for the act’s mandatory registration requirements has ended, meaning agencies must be registered as model management companies or groups with the New York Department of Labor (NYDL) to better enable models to discern legitimate representation.
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Seattle's offseason program is over following the conclusion of mandatory minicamp on June 11.
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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As the session continues, Atlas’s movements appear increasingly fluid, suggesting the system is being evaluated not only for strength but also for agility, reflex response, and adaptive motor control.
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Wyle listened to the two women’s breathing and administered a reflex test on their knees.
Cite this Entry
“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involuntary. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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