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Showing results for involuntary. Search instead for involunta.
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.

She now gets involuntary tremors and suffers chronic pain.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 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

“There is an involuntary review,” he says, “in between the multiple times per day I nap. But it’s not a grieving lament.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

“The panel noted that the laws regarding a seaman’s manslaughter differ from those of involuntary manslaughter.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

An involuntary shiver runs down my spine as her fingers trace across my forehead to touch my hair, and then back down across my brow.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements