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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 The manufacturer says the voluntary recall does not apply to other FreshRealm products. Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 18 June 2025 The bill advances phonics and other skills like comprehension and reading fluency, but its adoption is only voluntary. Denise Amos, Mercury News, 18 June 2025 According to an Amazon spokesperson, Jassy’s reference to a reduction in workforce does not necessarily mean layoffs; for example, the company could offer voluntary early retirement packages. Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 June 2025 The Department of Defense estimates about 4,200 service members have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, with 1,000 who have already self-identified and begun the voluntary separation process. Janae Bowens, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2025 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
  • From $539 for two nights, with a two-night minimum. Perks: Lots of space, pet-friendly, terrace, washer and dryer, optional housekeeping services A true palace, this Airbnb sleeps 11 guests and has a staggering five bathrooms to accommodate everyone.
    Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2025
  • Diners can also add on an optional wine pairing for an additional fee.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Paloma Wool Originating in Barcelona, Paloma Wool specializes in conscious garments and accessories to be worn as an art form, where getting dressed is not just a necessity, but an expression of oneself.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 24 June 2025
  • Much has been made about the conscious uncoupling of Devers and the Red Sox last Sunday.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Denverites willing to brave the heat and visit the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this summer may be able to sneak a peek at a new baby sloth snoozing and snuggling in the treetops of the Tropical Discovery exhibit.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
  • Furthermore, success stories will only emerge from firms willing to rethink workflows from the ground up.
    Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, the change has occurred through the deliberate erosion of fundamental norms related to belonging and through the weaponization of once neutral institutions.
    ASHLEY J. TELLIS, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
  • Without deliberate human judgment, AI will only amplify hustle habits that keep us busy with everything, rather than prioritizing the few things that truly matter.
    Melissa Daimler, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The intended target was immediately unknown to Newsweek.
    Anna Commander Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • Collateral arrest is when ICE agents are looking to arrest a person who is undocumented but an additional undocumented person, who was not the intended target, happens to be present; the agents can detain them as well, according to Immigrant Justice.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • But for him and many other faceless video creators, the tradeoffs are intentional.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Each intentional interaction builds a lasting structure, or building block, within, strengthening emotional intelligence, resilience, clarity and empathy.
    Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lawson will play Sarah Silver, the strong willed and decisive Superintendent in the Boston Police Department who is Lena’s stepsister.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 June 2025
  • 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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Cite this Entry

“Voluntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluntary. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on voluntary

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