INADVERTENTLY Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

inadvertently

adverb

as in accidentally

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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 inadvertently Coogan would inadvertently set the template for those following in his wake. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026 These parasites primarily infest the eyes of cats and dogs but can sometimes make their way into human eyes inadvertently. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026 In that moment, Wiley said her friend inadvertently hit another car while Wiley’s door was open. — Dan Gallo, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 As Prue and Curtis struggle to unravel the twisty lore of the obstacle-laden forest in their search for Mac, their outsider presence inadvertently sets off a long-festering showdown for control of the forest between its warring factions. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Those principles inadvertently led Young to top positions at Los Angeles’ Power 106 and New York’s Hot 97, and producing music for artists like Mariah Carey, Nate Dogg, Lil Wayne, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and Ludacris. — Kyle Eustice, VIBE.com, 21 Oct. 2026 This leads to River commandeering a woman’s car and inadvertently gaining a partner in her dog Monty, who doesn’t figure into the action but is most assuredly a Very Good Boy. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 Expect to see some thunderous passes — maybe inadvertently from one goalkeeper to another — as the big kickers meet. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Executives who remain tethered to routine reporting or data validation could inadvertently create an organizational bottleneck. — Alexandra J. Zanela, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadvertently

Adverb

Investigators determined that the child accidentally ingested drugs left in an unlocked room.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
But because nothing can be easy for the Azul V’s Charlie Brown, Sen accidentally drops the harness that attaches the Jet Ski to the crane in the water.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of accidentally

Adverb

She’s unwittingly caught between two different factions seeking to exploit her immense power—her new bestie, Emmaline, and Adelaide’s group—plus another group that seems intent on killing Carrie and others like her.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
By needlessly politicizing air traffic control, both parties unwittingly make the case for privatization.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of unwittingly

Adverb

There are so many organizations working to protect the voting process -- including many that cannot legally coordinate with each other -- that some officials involved worry about unintentionally creating chaos outside polling locations.

— STEVE PEOPLES, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
There are so many organizations working to protect the voting process — including many that cannot legally coordinate with each other — that some officials involved worry about unintentionally creating chaos outside polling locations.

— Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of unintentionally

Adverb

If presented with something to grip, even unconsciously, many jaws will.

— Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Our brain makes these predictions both consciously and unconsciously, relying on past sensory and physical experience to run the odds.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconsciously

Adverb

And, fortuitously for would-be sponsors, something happened in tennis that made these arrangements even more appealing.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The earnings announcement was fortuitously timed, coming just as reports were surfacing of high-level OpenAI employees joining the company.

— Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of fortuitously

Adverb

Neither phone should be used carelessly at the beach, but that higher dust rating offers a little more peace of mind.

— Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026
Combine them carelessly and you either gold-plate the commercial layer or under-build the safety-critical one.

— Stephen Farrugia, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of carelessly

Browse Nearby Words

inadvertent

inadvertently

inadvisability

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“Inadvertently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadvertently. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inadvertently

adverb

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