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
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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
Belk filed a voluntary motion to dismiss the case with prejudice in 2022, and terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
—
Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
Cold case solved over 50 years after a young mom was killed, her 3-year-old daughter left alive
That analysis identified a likely suspect, who was confirmed through a voluntary DNA sample from a family member to be Ricky Lee Stallworth, police said.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 15 May 2025
An estimated 76,000 people, or 16.6 percent over the age of 65, are living with Alzheimer’s in Miami-Dade County according to research by Alzheimer’s Association, the worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to care, support and research.
—Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
At least 2,000 of the agency's roughly 6,100 full-time employees have either left or plan to leave under the waves of terminations and voluntary retirements ordered by Elon Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, Coen told USA TODAY.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for voluntary
Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
Cold case solved over 50 years after a young mom was killed, her 3-year-old daughter left alive
That analysis identified a likely suspect, who was confirmed through a voluntary DNA sample from a family member to be Ricky Lee Stallworth, police said.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 15 May 2025
An estimated 76,000 people, or 16.6 percent over the age of 65, are living with Alzheimer’s in Miami-Dade County according to research by Alzheimer’s Association, the worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to care, support and research.
—Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
At least 2,000 of the agency's roughly 6,100 full-time employees have either left or plan to leave under the waves of terminations and voluntary retirements ordered by Elon Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, Coen told USA TODAY.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for voluntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voluntary
Adjective
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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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As mentioned, the Bellbird comes with a lot of optional upgrades and there are too many to list in full.—
Adam Williams
May 17,
New Atlas,
17 May 2025
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Brand building, trust and positioning are essential, not optional.—
Raja Walia,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Most others are exploring their options on incentives and examining if this is the right path to take. Future of Work – new patterns, new challenges, new opportunities In some policy areas, like International Tax Reform, change has been driven by conscious political decisions.—
Amanda Tickel,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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The boy was found alert and conscious, officials said, according to local ABC affiliate WJLA.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Pete’s Payday Alonso, 30, had hoped for a larger and longer payday last winter but watched his hopes dwindle in a market saturated with first basemen willing to accept less.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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While left wing-back Federico Dimarco provided a useful short out-ball during the Italian side’s build-up, right wing-back Denzel Dumfries was much more available and willing to make runs in behind — where long diagonal balls into the Netherlands international caused chaos.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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Managers can help by normalizing those reactions and creating deliberate space for them.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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In the careful selection of a pocket square, in the perfect dimple of a tie knot, in the deliberate shine of oxfords, these women continue a tradition of using style as both survival strategy and self-announcing act.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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By enforcing strict identity and access management (IAM) policies, organizations can prevent AI from overreaching its intended purpose and reduce the risk of data exposure.—
Sameer Malhotra,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
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The young girl was not the intended target, sources emphasized.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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But Dhillon said the Biden administration wrongly attributed disparities in the treatment of racial minorities with intentional discrimination.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Cultivate ‘Living Intelligence’ Through Curiosity This requires intentional practice in balancing the tension between predictability and possibility.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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Carnegie is convinced that sincerity is as easily willed as a ready smile and a memory for names.—
Ann Hulbert,
Harper's Magazine,
28 Feb. 2025
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The entire texture of that life, its willed imposture.—
Joyce Carol Oates,
The New Yorker,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Voluntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluntary. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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