UNINTENTIONAL Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

unintentional

adjective

ˌən-in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of unintentional

as in accidental

happening by chance an unintentional encounter with an old classmate at the mall

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spontaneous

not made or done willingly or by choice an unintentional insult that nevertheless was very hurtful

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unintentional The ban may have had the unintentional effect of spurring them to action. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 Being the unintentional voice of political pessimism can make a person something of a pessimist. — David MacK, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 But that name change amounted to an unintentional violation of GoFundMe terms, according to the daughter. — David K. Li, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026 Most of the killers — heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries top the list — remained unchanged from 2023. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unintentional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional

Adjective

But AppleCare One doesn't cover service fees for accidental damage.

— Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
Police are investigating the incident as an accidental death.

— Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of accidental

Adjective

Much like her character Klara, Ortega chooses to have faith in humans and their spontaneous wonder.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Celine’s Michael Rider leads a pack of creatives who seek spontaneous styling, embrace imperfection, and refuse to be bound by rules.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of spontaneous

Adjective

The National Federation of Federal Employees union said a survey of its members showed a large majority opposed the Agriculture Department reorganization plan and most were unwilling to relocate.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Middle America Republicans haven’t been entirely unwilling to stay off the celebrity train themselves.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of unwilling

Adjective

Jackel cautions against using poison, mothballs, smoke, or flooding to force an animal from its shelter, as these methods can harm the animal as well as pets and other unintended targets.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 22 Oct. 2026
Without that coordination, a decision that appears appropriate in isolation can create an unintended consequence elsewhere in the family’s financial plan.

— Elie Nour, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of unintended

Browse Nearby Words

unintended

unintentional

unintentionally

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Style

“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unintentional

adjective

Example Sentences

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