1
as in accidental
not made or done willingly or by choice
my long stays on the sidelines during our football games were strictly involuntary
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in automatic
done instantly and without conscious thought or decision
breathing is involuntary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in compulsory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
the abolition of involuntary servitude by civilized society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of involuntary
Throughout his career, Capaldi has been open about his struggles with Tourette’s syndrome, a condition of the nervous system that, according to the National Health Service, causes people to make sudden sounds or have involuntary body movements.
—
Sophie Williams, Billboard, 27 June 2025
The restraining order against Kelley was filed following her release from an involuntary 5150 hold at a Utah hospital, where she was brought in by authorities on June 13.
—Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 26 June 2025
Later that year, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
In studies, this was seen in both healthy people and those taking it for certain health conditions, such as tardive dyskinesia (an involuntary movement disorder).
—Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Sophie Williams, Billboard, 27 June 2025
The restraining order against Kelley was filed following her release from an involuntary 5150 hold at a Utah hospital, where she was brought in by authorities on June 13.
—Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 26 June 2025
Later that year, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
In studies, this was seen in both healthy people and those taking it for certain health conditions, such as tardive dyskinesia (an involuntary movement disorder).
—Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for involuntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involuntary
Adjective
-
Officials are investigating the incident to determine whether or not the death was accidental or criminal.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
11 July 2025
-
An autopsy determined the cause of death was accidental, drowning secondary to electrocution, the Porter County Coroner’s office said.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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This legislation will trigger automatic cuts to Medicare totaling $500 billion over eight years.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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But this went from an idea that was an automatic community win to an example of desperate nickel and diming.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Rather, films that portray women without the compulsory veil disrupt the symbolic, legal-religious order.—
Ali Farahmand,
IndieWire,
8 July 2025
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To bolster security and safety, standards and regulations emerged to force accountability, including compulsory NERC CIP for the North American energy grid and GDPR for EU data privacy.—
Thomas Ryd,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Relatedly, many people become more open to spontaneous thinking in the evening, when the brain is less focused and inhibited.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
10 July 2025
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This exhilarating transit could spark a need for spontaneous self-expression and creative freedom.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
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Things like robot bartenders, a remarkable sightseeing capsule that rises on a 300-foot-long mechanical arm, and an extensive array of exciting activities are now available within driving distance.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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The statute imposed various mandatory prison terms for violating the law.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
9 July 2025
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According to Vought, those figures include discretionary and mandatory spending included in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on Friday.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Kwan's trade value is high, and the Reds may be unwilling to part with much of their farm system to acquire the lefty.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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Jump said the agency did not provide a reason for why his status was revoked. Asylum seekers must prove their home country's government is persecuting them or that they're being persecuted by someone who the government is unable or unwilling to stop.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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That leads to the second category: a simple reflex agent with state.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Some bass-heavy speakers can create an annoying booming sound from the reflex port at the rear of the speaker.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involuntary. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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