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
This reduces the risk of unintentional infringement and simplifies compliance.
—
William Jones, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026
This omission creates a notable coordination gap that could help flag potential Section 2801 liabilities earlier, reduce unintentional non-compliance among those who are unaware of the rules.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
While Sparrow's name is similar to his older sister's moniker, the naming pattern was unintentional.
—Vandana Pawa, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Still, orange juice can be helpful in certain situations, such as giving quick energy, meeting vitamin C needs, supporting appetite during recovery or unintentional weight loss, or when someone cannot eat solid foods.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
William Jones, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026
This omission creates a notable coordination gap that could help flag potential Section 2801 liabilities earlier, reduce unintentional non-compliance among those who are unaware of the rules.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
While Sparrow's name is similar to his older sister's moniker, the naming pattern was unintentional.
—Vandana Pawa, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Still, orange juice can be helpful in certain situations, such as giving quick energy, meeting vitamin C needs, supporting appetite during recovery or unintentional weight loss, or when someone cannot eat solid foods.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
-
Earle died in August 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, from an accidental overdose.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Racial categories in this country were not accidental.—
Rosalind Osgood,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
With nowhere to go but up, writers and artists were engaged in collective, spontaneous creation.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Apparently, to the extent possible, Newsom likes to be spontaneous.—
Maya Singer,
Vogue,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tottenham also asked about RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, who has had an excellent debut season in the Bundesliga, but were met with a swift rejection, with the German club unwilling to entertain interest until the end of the season.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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The suspect abandoned the car and his unwilling passenger about two miles away in Maspeth a short time later, according to law enforcement.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
United teams of the past decade have been good at seizing on the unintended errors of opponents.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
People can anticipate unintended effects and recognize when the framing itself is wrong.—
Mark Minevich,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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