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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unintentional
More than 500 people are killed and thousands more injured yearly by unintentional shootings, such as a toddler shooting a sibling.
—
Tina Polsky, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2025
Drowning is the No. 1 killer of children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14.
—Karen Cohn, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Fentanyl is often mixed with cocaine or methamphetamine, sometimes without the user’s knowledge, leading to unintentional overdoses.
—Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 3 July 2025
That’s something that was unintentional and unexpected.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Tina Polsky, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2025
Drowning is the No. 1 killer of children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14.
—Karen Cohn, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Fentanyl is often mixed with cocaine or methamphetamine, sometimes without the user’s knowledge, leading to unintentional overdoses.
—Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 3 July 2025
That’s something that was unintentional and unexpected.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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An autopsy determined the cause of death was accidental, drowning secondary to electrocution, the Porter County Coroner’s office said.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
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The initial discovery of the toy’s mechanics was accidental.—
Aurora Martínez,
Smithsonian Magazine,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Relatedly, many people become more open to spontaneous thinking in the evening, when the brain is less focused and inhibited.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
10 July 2025
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This exhilarating transit could spark a need for spontaneous self-expression and creative freedom.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Kwan's trade value is high, and the Reds may be unwilling to part with much of their farm system to acquire the lefty.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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Jump said the agency did not provide a reason for why his status was revoked. Asylum seekers must prove their home country's government is persecuting them or that they're being persecuted by someone who the government is unable or unwilling to stop.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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This means involving diverse stakeholders, including end-users, in the design process to identify ethical principles and anticipate unintended consequences.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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But there’s something fundamentally amiss here, something that’s an unintended consequence — but a meaningful consequence, nonetheless — of an MLB policy instituted in 2023 and implemented last year.—
Vahe Gregorian
July 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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