Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

involuntary

[in-vol-uhn-ter-ee] / ɪnˈvɒl ənˌtɛr i /
ADJECTIVE
automatic; not done willingly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compulsory forced spontaneous uncontrolled unintentional
WEAK
automatic begrudging blind conditioned grudging habitual impulsive instinctive instinctual knee-jerk obligatory reflex reflexive reluctant uncalculated unconscious unintended unmeditated unpremeditated unprompted unthinking unwilling unwitting will-less
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deliberate intended planned voluntary
WEAK
conscious intentional unforced

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.

Because EMS lacks familiar markers for exhaustion—it’s hard to gauge effort with involuntary muscle contractions—people can unwittingly overdo it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

A last resort would be a conservatorship, which is an involuntary process and takes place when a person is unable to take care of their finances.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

A regional court in Katowice sentenced one, who was also charged with causing involuntary manslaughter, to 18 months in prison and barred him from practicing medicine for six years.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

The US TV comedy show depicted a series of controversial celebrities blaming their behaviour on the condition, which can cause involuntary verbal tics.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

He laughed so loudly that I took an involuntary step backward.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs