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Definitions

by choice

ADVERB
preferably
Synonyms
STRONG
rather
WEAK
alternatively first in preference willingly
ADVERB
rather
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sooner willingly
WEAK
alternately alternatively as a matter of choice by preference first in lieu of in preference just as soon more readily more willingly much sooner
Antonyms
WEAK
extremely insignificantly little violently
ADVERB
voluntarily
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deliberately freely intentionally spontaneously willingly
WEAK
at one's discretion by preference of one's own accord on one's own on one's own initiative optionally with all one's heart without being asked without prompting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
unintentionally
WEAK
forced involuntarily obligatory

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Kavanagh, 78, is a New Englander by birth and Californian by choice.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Let’s also acknowledge that some new entrepreneurs didn’t become founders entirely by choice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

In areas where Taliban fighters were battling US-backed forces, men would grow beards either out of fear or by choice.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

People forget about past follies, either by choice and/or because they’re distracted by the next shiny thing.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

“And she’s just as skinny as the kids, only that her skinniness is by choice and theirs is not by choice.”

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie