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Definitions

volunteer

[vol-uhn-teer] / ˌvɒl ənˈtɪər /
VERB
offer to do something
Synonyms
STRONGEST
come forward enlist sign up step forward suggest
STRONG
advance present proffer propose tender
WEAK
bring forward chip in do on one's own volition go in let oneself in for offer services put at one's disposal put forward speak up stand up submit oneself take bull by the horns take initiative take the plunge take upon oneself
Antonyms
STRONG
take back
WEAK
compel force obligate

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.

The government has appealed to parents to allow their children join the Basij volunteer militia – a key arm of state enforcement – to help guard checkpoints.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Activists like Sharp, who lives in Wilmington in rural Ohio, say that despite their misgivings about the technology, artificial intelligence can speed up their volunteer work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Government inaction is behind the proliferation in recent years of volunteer search “collectives,” many composed of relatives of the missing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Companies aren’t required to report it on financial tables, although many volunteer it on news releases and slide decks.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Frigga cried out to the gods for a volunteer to go down to Hela and try to ransom Balder.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton