ˌən-in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an unintentional encounter with an old classmate at the mall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spontaneous
not made or done willingly or by choice
an unintentional insult that nevertheless was very hurtful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unintentional
Training sessions should emphasize best practices for data security, helping employees recognize risks and avoid unintentional breaches.
—
Pawel Rzeszucinski, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room and more than 14,000 are hospitalized, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025
The National Institutes of Health says very high doses of fluoride that can cause sickness are typically the result of rare accidents, such as the unintentional swallowing of fluoride use by dentists’ offices or supplements inappropriately given to children.
—Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Originally, Luke wasn’t meant to be looking for Hannah, and the moment was unintentional.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Pawel Rzeszucinski, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room and more than 14,000 are hospitalized, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025
The National Institutes of Health says very high doses of fluoride that can cause sickness are typically the result of rare accidents, such as the unintentional swallowing of fluoride use by dentists’ offices or supplements inappropriately given to children.
—Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Originally, Luke wasn’t meant to be looking for Hannah, and the moment was unintentional.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
-
Similarly, an accidental executor can be the trustee of a revocable trust after the grantor has passed away.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.D.,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
-
What followed was part social experiment, part accidental soul-baring, and slightly more fun than doomscrolling solo.—
Jennifer Jolly,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Both edibles offer fresh garnishes for daily use or spontaneous hosting.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Emerging from the city's urban landscape, his art is characterized by spontaneous compositions of pattern and form, often evolving through layers of spray paint, ink, and acrylic.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But a number of lawmakers in the party’s right flank remained entrenched in opposition to the measure, unwilling to waver from that resistance despite intense pressure from Trump himself.—
Mychael Schnell,
The Hill,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The pause would not apply to China, however, because government officials there were unwilling to make a deal, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The film is still set to premiere next month, now an unintended memorial for a diligent journalist and writer.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Early implementations have experienced technical glitches, such as those occasionally seen in MLB's 3D broadcasts, which sometimes led to humorous but unintended visual effects.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share