IN-VOLUNTARY Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

involuntary

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē

Definition of involuntary

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

as in automatic

done instantly and without conscious thought or decision breathing is involuntary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 The cold water gasp reflex is completely involuntary and uncontrollable. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026 This can reduce the strain on the electric grid and help prevent the need for involuntary power curtailment or power brownouts, Holran notes. — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 One change was involuntary after captain César Montes earned a red card and was suspended for tonight's game. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for involuntary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for involuntary

Adjective

Chomentowski lost her son in 2020 to an accidental drug overdose.

— Brianna Wallen, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026
Police said Rushing's cause of death was likely an accidental drowning.

— Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Definition of accidental

Adjective

Bluetooth speakers, automatic curtains, and an in-room iPad for the very good Four Seasons app (also available on your phone) would make great enhancements.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
The Gamblers advanced after one of their riders appeared to touch the bull with his free hand — an automatic disqualification under PBR rules — but no foul was called.

— Latif Love July 9, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of automatic

Adjective

As economist and Opportunity@Work founder Byron Auguste has noted, when policymakers, employers and parents all realized that the shifting job landscape required a different preparatory path, states passed compulsory education laws.

— Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026
In our analysis, the gap between women and men may persist unless masculinity itself becomes less dependent on dominance, control and compulsory heterosexuality.

— Ann M. Merriwether, The Conversation, 7 July 2026

Definition of compulsory

Adjective

That didn’t seem to dent the energy, with spontaneous Argentinian futbol songs breaking out among scrums of fans.

— Matias Ocner, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Instead of limiting where an electric bike can go, its folding design creates more opportunities to ride, making spontaneous adventures easier than ever while still providing the comfort needed for longer distances.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026

Definition of spontaneous

Adjective

Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
The skyscraper is being converted into apartments, which is a more complicated process than building one from scratch and requires extensive structural, plumbing and mechanical work.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

Bring recess back as a mandatory part of the school schedule.

— Taylor Carney, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
The ruling also reflected Sotomayor’s reasoning that owners and players were still bargaining in good faith and that salary policies were mandatory subjects of bargaining.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of mandatory

Adjective

The cops posted outside of the nearby Swarovski and PINK stores are similarly unwilling to entertain my interrogations.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 4 July 2026
Going-to-the-Sun Road, which connects the eastern and western halves of the park, makes the area accessible for those unwilling or unable to explore the backcountry on foot.

— Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

Definition of unwilling

Adjective

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.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
Wyle listened to the two women’s breathing and administered a reflex test on their knees.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 May 2026

Definition of reflex

Browse Nearby Words

involuntarily

involuntary

involute

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Style

“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involuntary. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of involuntary

adjective

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