VOLUNTARY Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

voluntary

adjective

ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē

Definition of voluntary

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

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

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

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 Privacy guidance generally treats consent as meaningful only when it’s informed and voluntary. — New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026 Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 She was sentenced in 2004 to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak, according to court records. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026 The medication also must be self-administered to ensure the decision is voluntary. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 5 Aug. 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

Definition of volunteer

Adjective

That includes carbon-ceramic brakes, standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and even optional carbon fiber wheels, all wrapped by the widebody shape that gives the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X a more aggressive look than the base Stingray.

— Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026
The 1996 regulations also allowed a person’s gender to be considered in setting auto premiums, but former Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones eliminated it as an optional ratings factor in 2019.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of optional

Adjective

Updating one’s self-image requires conscious effort; left unattended, the mind defaults to its familiar version.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Wazne, one of Berri Brothers’ owners, said using low prices to keep a constant flow of cost-conscious customers helps his business by inflating footfall to the stands’ convenience stores.

— Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of conscious

Adjective

But the program is open to one-car owners as well who are willing to go car-free for five weeks.

— Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
That trust is earned through a commitment to evidence, authenticity and scholarship and creates environments where visitors are more willing to engage with difficult histories, challenge assumptions and consider new perspectives.

— Ronald Leopold, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of willing

Adjective

An Indeed survey of hybrid office workers in Germany found that two-thirds had taken deliberate steps to appear more productive or engaged.

— Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Earlier this year, the Bandero collided with an industrial krill trawler in Antarctica in what the ship’s Norwegian owner said was a deliberate attack that endangered its crew and could have caused an environmental disaster.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of deliberate

Adjective

A week later against the Kansas City Chiefs, Hoecht tipped a pass — officials missed it and flagged Patrick Mahomes for intentional grounding — and one play later shared a sack with edge rusher Gregory Rousseau.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
So that change looks like intentional investment that directly benefits neighbors, such as a grocery store, reconnecting communities with proper sidewalks or some form of economic advancement for residents.

— DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of intentional

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

Definition of willed

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voluntarily

voluntary

volunteer

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Style

“Voluntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluntary. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of voluntary

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