Definition of voluntarynext
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as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice participation in the resort's recreational activities is strictly voluntary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word voluntary different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of voluntary are deliberate, intentional, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

Where would deliberate be a reasonable alternative to voluntary?

While the synonyms deliberate and voluntary are close in meaning, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

When is it sensible to use intentional instead of voluntary?

Although the words intentional and voluntary have much in common, intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When could willing be used to replace voluntary?

The synonyms willing and voluntary are sometimes interchangeable, but willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

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 voluntary As a reminder, only one session a week is open to media and the workouts are voluntary. Pete Sweeney may 28, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026 Another rookie was rotating into the starting lineup, and young defensive backs took advantage of more reps with starters missing from the unpadded, voluntary practice. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026 The certification is voluntary, and has proven efficient and effective. Doug McCauley, Oc Register, 27 May 2026 Vrabel said six players aren't at the voluntary sessions. Matt Schooley, CBS News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for voluntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voluntary
Adjective
  • Within the past couple of years, the group has become a part of Arrowhead Kingdom, an all-volunteer national network of Chiefs fan groups.
    Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2023
  • That’s noteworthy for a show based at a high-school auditorium in Litchfield and run by a staff that is almost entirely volunteer, including the show’s star and its producer.
    Susan Dunne, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2022
Adjective
  • To be eligible, a company must show positive GAAP net income from continuing operations in its most recent quarter and over the sum of its trailing four quarters — a test that cannot operate as designed if the underlying quarterly figure becomes optional.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Fourteen more counties — including Orange, Sacramento and Santa Clara — have adopted the state Voter’s Choice Act, an optional state law that requires them to mail every voter a ballot and to replace traditional neighborhood polling places with multipurpose vote centers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • The supply and demand parameters have to be adjusted to a conscious mean.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
  • Retailers must now react quickly to cost-conscious shoppers and invest in technology to prepare for a new reality where the line between politics and retail is becoming increasingly blurred, Minkow said.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The question is, why does Amanda believe it, or rather, why is West willing to be with Amanda over those other people?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026
  • For those willing to coordinate logistics in advance, the payoff is a front-row view of sporting traditions that predate most modern nations.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Smith said this was the result of deliberate strategy by the museum.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 31 May 2026
  • Cargill dictated a slow, deliberate pace.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • That conversation was largely deferred in favor of satire, intended or not.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • On April 20, during the New Glenn rocket’s third launch, the booster’s second stage malfunctioned and failed to deliver a commercial satellite into its intended orbit.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The introduction of Diamond Reserve reaffirms Hilton Honors’ commitment to recognizing loyalty at every level, elevating the experience for its most frequent guests through a more refined and intentional approach.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
  • With Tuesday’s primary settled, a new head-to-head race for Pelosi’s seat begins — one that, given her endorsement of Chan and Wiener’s intentional focus on pulling San Francisco in a new direction, will be an even clearer referendum on her influence.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some of Thomas’s critique appeared to be aimed at weak-willed conservatives, including his fellow-Justices, for being, as Thomas perceives it, too spineless to stand up for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, gracious but iron-willed family matriarch Claudine works tirelessly behind the scenes to hush up family scandals.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Voluntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluntary. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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