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
It’s also made with a protective toe bumper to prevent injuries during any unintentional impact.
—
Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Unfinished in this case does not mean unintentional, as the tray of beads inevitably waiting to be incorporated into the tapestry introduces a layer of tension (or mystery) as to what the work will become in its end state.
—Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Unfinished in this case does not mean unintentional, as the tray of beads inevitably waiting to be incorporated into the tapestry introduces a layer of tension (or mystery) as to what the work will become in its end state.
—Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
-
Elvyn Yohel Ramos Routt County Investigators also said Ramos filed an insurance claim reporting the fire as accidental.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
In another show, with a lesser writer, such incongruities could be read as character inconsistencies, accidental oversights, mistakes.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While spontaneous mentions of high prices increased for a fifth month, inflation expectations eased over the longer term.—
Bloomberg News,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
-
This could look like spontaneous travel plans, shifting your career focus or even a spiritual awakening.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The government had been unable - or unwilling - to fix it.—
NPR,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
-
In the rare case where someone is unwilling to seek help and a danger to themselves or others, the law enforcement officer is authorized to take someone to the hospital to be assessed against their will.—
Eva Wen,
jsonline.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Additional mortgage purchases by Fannie Mae and Freddie could temporarily help lower mortgage costs, but that approach also could have unintended consequences, according to TD Securities analysts.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The saga of Playa Bagdad, just over the border from a SpaceX launchpad, highlights the unintended environmental and social impacts of the global space race.—
Terrence McCoy,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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