1
as in volunteer
done, made, or given with one's own free will
a voluntary contribution to the school's fund-raising drive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
as in conscious
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing
the legal distinctions between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of voluntary
Attorneys for detainees at the Everglades facility have called the conditions deplorable, writing in court documents that rainwater floods their tents and officers go cell-to-cell pressuring detainees to sign voluntary removal orders before they’re allowed to consult their attorneys.
—
Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
When a patient is fully informed and gives voluntary, competent consent, the state has no legitimate role in preventing physicians from honoring that decision.
—Dr. Jeffrey Singer, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
Digital platforms are exacerbating this kind of voluntary segregation.
—Deeya Sonalkar, TheWeek, 2 Jan. 2026
The firm said all medical treatment was voluntary and ethics rules prevent sharing more information about discussions with clients.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for voluntary
Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
When a patient is fully informed and gives voluntary, competent consent, the state has no legitimate role in preventing physicians from honoring that decision.
—Dr. Jeffrey Singer, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
Digital platforms are exacerbating this kind of voluntary segregation.
—Deeya Sonalkar, TheWeek, 2 Jan. 2026
The firm said all medical treatment was voluntary and ethics rules prevent sharing more information about discussions with clients.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 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
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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
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For debris handling, Beatbot highlights an ultra-large six-liter debris capacity with fine filtration, and its CES release describes an optional three-micron ultra-fine filter for tighter particle capture.—
IE Creative Studio,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The use of personal protective equipment is optional but encouraged for those who choose to wear it.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In the end, these astrological narratives make 2026 a year of bold new beginnings and conscious leadership.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
-
In a price-conscious consumer landscape, competitive discounts also captured attention in a significant way.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
If a team is calculated — and perhaps more importantly, willing to take a risk — there are opportunities to find very useful pieces that can make quicker impacts than picks or prospects.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Second, the firm brings to the table a more than qualified CEO candidate who is ready and willing to take on this role.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Since the boycott, PEN has donated to Palestinian aid organizations, highlighted writers and journalists who have been targeted and killed by Israel, and released a report on the deliberate destruction of Palestinian cultural heritage.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
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Many of these cases were traced back to individuals who would not have passed a more deliberate vetting process.—
Karl W. Bickel,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
It was knocked away in the end zone and kicked by Nebraska receiver Shevin Wiggins, the intended receiver.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The results can be especially bad if there is bright light behind the intended subject, which produces a silhouette effect.—
Jan Wagner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s thanks to an intentional and methodical approach.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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Displaying knickknacks on trays is one easy way to corral visual clutter, and sticking to a limited color palette throughout your home will make your other design choices look more intentional.—
Tessa Cooper,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Given no choice, María Ángeles acquiesces to her daughter’s wishes and moves into the seniors’ home, where a hilarious exchange with a hairdresser wanting to chop off her long silver tresses typifies her iron-willed refusal to settle in.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
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Parker will play Mary Washington, George’s strong willed mother, while Rodgers will play Sally Cary, the charming beauty of the Virginia gentry who first sees his potential.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Voluntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluntary. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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