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
In January, Hared pleaded guilty in Dakota County District Court to second-degree unintentional murder after reaching a plea agreement with the prosecution, which originally charged him with intentional murder.
—
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
The proposal to end demographic reporting is consistent with Lucas’s broader effort to reframe civil rights enforcement away from systemic or unintentional discrimination and toward individual claims.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 28 May 2026
To counteract this unintentional sabotage, start by cleaning your gutters.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 24 May 2026
There have been at least 31 unintentional shootings in Florida so far in 2026, killing six people, according to data compiled by the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
The proposal to end demographic reporting is consistent with Lucas’s broader effort to reframe civil rights enforcement away from systemic or unintentional discrimination and toward individual claims.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 28 May 2026
To counteract this unintentional sabotage, start by cleaning your gutters.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 24 May 2026
There have been at least 31 unintentional shootings in Florida so far in 2026, killing six people, according to data compiled by the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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The New York Times later confirmed that reporting through more anonymous US officials, including one official who said US military investigators were still evaluating whether the Iranian drone strike on the helicopter was intentional or accidental.—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
10 June 2026
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The search warrant obtained by ABC News shows that federal agents were instructed to look for anything that would indicate violations of a law to prevent the accidental release of extremely hazardous substances into the air.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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But for a pivotal game four of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, spontaneous outdoor gatherings won’t be allowed in front of the team’s famed arena.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
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Now the line gets its third generation, designed to be tossed in a bag and pulled out for spontaneous, screen-free moments.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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And the album’s title track is resolutely unwilling to choose a corner between deep, dark house and dubstep, like a Croydon Larry Heard.—
Ben Cardew,
Pitchfork,
10 June 2026
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The failure is not only one of policy, but of execution — compounded by a political culture increasingly unwilling to measure outcomes honestly, to welcome scrutiny, or to honestly confront evidence that favored approaches are failing.—
Michele Steeb,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Prosecutors argued at trial that Shirilla drove into the building to end her toxic relationship with Russo, and that Flanagan was an unintended victim who happened to be in the car.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
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Publishers and industry groups, however, argue that the legislation could have unintended consequences for authors and readers.—
Julia Casola,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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