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Showing results for involuntary. Search instead for involuntary/2.
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.

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

Critics of involuntary civil-commitment programs argue they violate civil liberties and stigmatize mental illness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 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

Davidson's condition involves involuntary verbal tics, and the audience had been told they may hear some during the evening.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

As Roy went down, he let out an involuntary cry, which was drowned by the loud, gaseous hissing of bus brakes.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.