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
Deaths among those ages 5 to 19 also increased in Eastern Europe, high-income North America and the Caribbean, and among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa, due to infectious diseases and unintentional injuries.
—
Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
In the coach’s case, however, this was totally unintentional.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
The film’s chilling representation of American politics may be an unintentional departure from the novel’s more whimsical energy.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
The accident is unintentional but places the entire family in a precarious situation.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
In the coach’s case, however, this was totally unintentional.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
The film’s chilling representation of American politics may be an unintentional departure from the novel’s more whimsical energy.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
The accident is unintentional but places the entire family in a precarious situation.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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Beau pointed out that Bash disabled them, and any footage could be altered to appear accidental.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Oct. 2025
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The accidental explosive play The Chiefs’ longest offensive snap of the night?—
Sam McDowell
Updated October 27,
Kansas City Star,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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These mutations can be spontaneous, but the paternal age of a sperm donor can also be a factor.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
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The piece signals transformation, but the spontaneous laugh turns luxury into connection; by the red-gown reveal, the necklace reads less like a trophy and more like a charm that’s worked.—
Lilah Ramzi,
Vogue,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Last year, the Mets were unwilling to give the 30-year-old slugger a long-term contract, settling on a two-year, $54 million contract with a player opt-out clause for next season, according to Spotrac.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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Orpheus, unwilling to have anything to do with women again, chooses to become a swan in his next life, while a swan decides to become a man.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In the Adams formulation, the true history was about chance, contingency, and unintended consequences, about political leaders who were all improvising on the edge of catastrophe.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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In the end, 65 languages were tested, three native speakers for each, to ensure no unintended meanings slipped through.—
Anthony Shore,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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