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
Digitally tweaked to fit the syncopated rhythm and stay on key, Weir’s vocals have a discomfiting quality that’s almost certainly unintentional—especially considering how often the beauty of the Dead lied in their very human imperfections.
—
Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026
In comparison, the United States sees more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths each year, the CDC said.
—Hali Smith
march 21, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
But, royal biographer Kitty Kelley reported, Diana’s decision to wear the choker as a headband was an unintentional one.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
In New York City, more than 700 adults 55-84 died of unintentional drug poisonings involving opioids in 2024.
—Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026
In comparison, the United States sees more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths each year, the CDC said.
—Hali Smith
march 21, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
But, royal biographer Kitty Kelley reported, Diana’s decision to wear the choker as a headband was an unintentional one.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
In New York City, more than 700 adults 55-84 died of unintentional drug poisonings involving opioids in 2024.
—Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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Gilbert's remains were found in December 2011 -- her death is later ruled as an accidental drowning.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The light, water-resistant fabric keeps clothes safe from accidental spills and can bear the hard wear of travel days.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Because your nature is bold and spontaneous, aim your confidence at one specific outcome.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
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Videos show people approaching the robot on city streets to shake hands, ask questions, and record interactions for social media, with these spontaneous encounters becoming central to its appeal.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The House was unwilling to override two vetoes earlier this year on legislation that passed unanimously.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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But because many homeowners are unwilling to swap out their relatively low rates, that shift might not happen this spring.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Defense attorneys will likely argue that the explosion was a tragic accident, but was unintended — even if the defendants broke rules meant to regulate the sale and storage of fireworks, Parisi said.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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Kirk Koudelka, assistant commissioner for the MPCA, said that closing HERC could have unintended health impacts by shifting pressure to landfills.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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