1
as in choice
the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions
oftentimes the dialect we speak is completely beyond our volition
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose
left the church of her own volition, not because she was excommunicated
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of volition
The most likely reason is that the worms crawled there on their own volition.
—
Joan Morris, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Trump didn't invite Cox inside his home on his own volition.
—Saige Miller, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026
At the end of Season 8, Raver left the show of her own volition, only to return for a guest stint in Season 14 and then for real in Season 15.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Leaving one to ask, How much is anyone involved in this case acting of their own volition?
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volition
Joan Morris, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Trump didn't invite Cox inside his home on his own volition.
—Saige Miller, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026
At the end of Season 8, Raver left the show of her own volition, only to return for a guest stint in Season 14 and then for real in Season 15.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Leaving one to ask, How much is anyone involved in this case acting of their own volition?
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volition
Noun
-
In some ways, the first lady stuck to her common fashion choices for fight night.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
-
As a result, many once-popular design choices are beginning to feel dated.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
But Roberts figures to have two other very worthy options.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
-
Singapore Changi Airport took the overall top spot for the best airport to spend a layover in thanks to its combination of top-notch sleepability, robust dining options, and strong facilities.—
Kristine Hansen,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Becerra also had an edge among voters registered as no party preference or registered with other parties — who make up almost a third of the state electorate.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
This idea—that values are revealed through felt preference, not intellectual agreement—runs throughout his work.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volition. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
