ˌən-in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an unintentional encounter with an old classmate at the mall
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spontaneous
not made or done willingly or by choice
an unintentional insult that nevertheless was very hurtful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unintentional
One was a fastball that rode into the right-handers and was responsible for many of the unintentional HBPs.
—
Gqlshare, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2025
From awkward silences and Wi-Fi lags to unintentional mute mishaps, there are countless ways virtual conversations can detract from your personal brand.
—William Arruda, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
One organization is notorious for an unintentional form of this prejudice: animal shelters.
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025
This includes decreasing death rates from heart disease, unintentional injuries, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and COVID-19.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Gqlshare, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2025
From awkward silences and Wi-Fi lags to unintentional mute mishaps, there are countless ways virtual conversations can detract from your personal brand.
—William Arruda, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
One organization is notorious for an unintentional form of this prejudice: animal shelters.
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025
This includes decreasing death rates from heart disease, unintentional injuries, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and COVID-19.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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But the real Sylvia and Mort were larger-than-life characters and became accidental celebrities when The Nanny aired.—
Victoria Edel,
People.com,
12 May 2025
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Collantes ruled the cut was the result of an accidental headbutt, Suarez’s team is arguing that a punch caused the cut.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Pockets of time when most parents are homebound are now ripe for spontaneous hangouts, especially because their kids can entertain one another.—
Rhaina Cohen,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2025
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But most mutations are acquired — from lifestyle, environmental exposures, or spontaneous errors during cell division.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
This spring a jury determined that former Kansas City Manager Brian Platt sidelined the city’s communications directors for being unwilling to stretch the truth.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
12 May 2025
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Yet, this was a classic case of a kneejerk reaction from WWE fans who were unwilling to let the story play out.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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But beneath the surface, this law carries serious, unintended consequences.—
Julio Fuentes,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2025
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The unintended consequence of expertise is cognitive rigidity.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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