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Showing results for involuntary. Search instead for involuntar.
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

“California has both the right and the responsibility to ensure that every involuntary residential facility meets fundamental standards of safety, sanitation, and humane treatment.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

Aimee considered opting out by claiming low blood sugar from involuntary fasting, but she decided against starting out the year as the class hypochondriac.

From "Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story" by Nora Raleigh Baskin