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
Skipping payments is not an unintentional consequence of saving for debt settlement, though.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
The collision was unintentional, and occurred when the vehicle failed to stay on the right side of the road, officials said.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
In February, her lawyer said the misconduct was unintentional and that Ajayi was juggling two full-time jobs, as a county employee and as a candidate.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
One high school prospect had a fun -- albeit likely unintentional -- twist on the hat game Monday afternoon, however.
—Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
The collision was unintentional, and occurred when the vehicle failed to stay on the right side of the road, officials said.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
In February, her lawyer said the misconduct was unintentional and that Ajayi was juggling two full-time jobs, as a county employee and as a candidate.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
One high school prospect had a fun -- albeit likely unintentional -- twist on the hat game Monday afternoon, however.
—Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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The sturdy, durable case offers a water-resistant fabric, which is great for accidental coffee spills amid the airport security line.—
Sarah DiMuro,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
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The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed his death to an accidental ketamine overdose and said drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine — used to treat opioid use disorder — were factors.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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November 22 – December 21 A spontaneous move at home could create more freedom than expected today.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
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Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 A spontaneous move at home could create more freedom than expected today.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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The union also claims that BP repeatedly indicated that the company was unwilling to move on any part of its proposals.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
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Musk only wanted control in the early days, but was unwilling to sign a contract formalizing it, Altman said.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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However, this evolution will heighten concerns regarding accountability, reliability, and unintended escalation.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
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That dynamic could have unintended social impacts if not managed carefully.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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