UNCONSCIOUSLY Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

unconsciously

adverb

as in unwittingly

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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 unconsciously 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 There’s also evidence that some mimicry happens unconsciously. — Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2026 In contrast to things neurotypical people do unconsciously, like twisting a strand of hair, autistic people’s stims can be dramatic, such as pacing or rocking. — Beth Hawkins, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2026 Perhaps the actions of England’s peasantry made such a formative impression on young Greengrass that he was unconsciously drawn to other stories with a similar thematic undercurrent. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 Likewise, a professional who identifies strongly with a particular school of thought — in economics, medicine, management, or technology — will tend to unconsciously favor sources that reinforce that framework and discount those that challenge it. — Big Think, 21 Aug. 2026 But in reality, of course, this is just happening almost unconsciously. — Jinae West, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 His opinion will be better received, and people will unconsciously be giving his appearance green flags and listening without any distraction. — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconsciously

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

In that moment, Wiley’s friend inadvertently hit another car while Wiley’s door was open.

— Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 19 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

Definition of inadvertently

Adverb

The Fresh Prince comment referred, unintentionally or not, to the infamous 2022 Oscar-night moment when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock across the face after the latter made a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2026
The results range from remarkably accurate to unintentionally hilarious.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of unintentionally

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

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

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

Place names that are changed arbitrarily and without due process should not be recognized by the international community.

— Reuben Rose-Redwood, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
The judge said the school board inserted its own opinions into the decision, and thus acted arbitrarily and illegally.

— Tara Lynch, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of arbitrarily

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unconscious

unconsciously

unconsciousness

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“Unconsciously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconsciously. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unconsciously

adverb

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