IN-VOLUNTARY Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

involuntary

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē

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

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision breathing is involuntary

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of involuntary He was taken to jail under the Baker Act, a Florida law that allows for involuntary, emergency mental health observation for 72 hours, according to an incident report made public Wednesday about the May 2023 misdemeanor battery arrest from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. —

Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026 While the legislature required most involuntary tows from apartments to be triggered by specific complaints, residents said towing companies are continuing to patrol public housing and low-income apartment complexes and tow cars for minor violations. —

Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 While a warm, four-bar bassline chugs alongside dubby stabs and bouncy swells, BEA1991’s vocals switch from nonchalant monotone to falsetto in a way that sounds like an involuntary yelp of joy. —

Reid Bg, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026 While the legislature required most involuntary tows from apartments to be triggered by specific complaints, residents said towing companies are continuing to patrol public housing and low-income apartment complexes and tow cars for minor violations. —

Ginny Monk, ProPublica, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for involuntary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for involuntary

Adjective

The sturdy, durable case offers a water-resistant fabric, which is great for accidental coffee spills amid the airport security line.

— Sarah DiMuro, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed his death to an accidental ketamine overdose and said drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine — used to treat opioid use disorder — were factors.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 13 May 2026