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 In some places, including some New Jersey communities and in the Carolinas, restrictions are no longer voluntary. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026 Christopher Jordan, 38, pleaded guilty Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter, a Level 2 felony. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 The posts on the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star's Instagram Stories come after her recent voluntary stay in a rehabilitation facility. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 There is no fee to exhibit, but artists are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to support TERI’s programs. — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 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

The kitchen block is located to the right of the entry, utilizing an optional portable induction cooker, rectangular sink with flush-mount lid and available 90-L Isotherm door fridge.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
Rather than conventional seats, the cushions are fixed directly to the chassis, and there’s an optional sustainable textile called InnoKnit, which sweeps across the sills and cockpit like a breaking wave.

— Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026

Definition of optional

Adjective

Factor meals are made with health-conscious ingredients that can cater to your dietary needs, ranging from Keto to vegan and beyond.

— Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
As an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Howard is conscious of what his appearance at The Open could mean to younger people living with the condition and to their families.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of conscious

Adjective

However, the buyers might not be as willing to part with the quality of prospects the Angels would like.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
Giselle Garcia, program director for NorCal Resist, said the arrest data largely tracks with the organization’s own informal counts though emphasized much enforcement goes unaccounted for if families aren’t willing to speak up.

— Mathew Miranda July 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of willing

Adjective

The design is open and clean, with a deliberate choice to draw the surrounding scenery deep into the interior of the home.

— Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
Prosecutors call Hearn’s actions a deliberate, violent act causing more than $1,000 in damage, and his attorneys denounce the case as an alarming misuse of government power.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of deliberate

Adjective

If the device experience fails, the software running on it rarely delivers its intended value.

— Damini Sood, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
The plaintiffs have also accused Bayer of negligence and misrepresentation of Roundup's safety in its marketing, and have alleged that the product was defective for its intended purpose.

— Diana Novak Jones, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Definition of intended

Adjective

The more intentional your choices, the more high-end your bathroom will feel.

— Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
Ronaldo’s elbow looked far more intentional, and egregious, than Balogun’s play that happened in the context of a player battling for a ball against an opponent with his foot.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of voluntary

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