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.

Today, I scroll through my phone contacts of friends and see a growing number of solo agers — many by choice.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

"I just got an email and apparently I just got retired, not by choice but because I am no longer allowed to compete," Van Leuven said in a video posted on Instagram.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

More than a dozen employees have left the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, which includes the LeanIn.Org initiative, over the past year, either through layoffs or by choice, people familiar with the changes said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

It was all with such reluctance on Xenocrates’ part that Volta knew the man wasn’t here entirely by choice.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

by choice

Example Sentences

Related Words