ˌən-in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of unintentional
While wildfires are a natural phenomenon, human actions — both intentional and unintentional — have amplified their devastation.
—
Natasha Navarra, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
The top three unintentional causes of death were vehicle crashes, drownings and falls, the park service said.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
And in many colder places, hypothermia is the second most common cause of unintentional death, after vehicle accidents.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 29 Jan. 2025
There was tremendous, albeit unintentional, cultural clarity in two late-term actions Joe Biden took before the end of his presidency.
—Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Natasha Navarra, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
The top three unintentional causes of death were vehicle crashes, drownings and falls, the park service said.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
And in many colder places, hypothermia is the second most common cause of unintentional death, after vehicle accidents.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 29 Jan. 2025
There was tremendous, albeit unintentional, cultural clarity in two late-term actions Joe Biden took before the end of his presidency.
—Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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As the largest startup offering cyber insurance and proactive monitoring tools with over 90,000 policyholders, Coalition insures against incidents like cyberattacks, email scams and accidental privacy violations.—
Jeff Kauflin,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
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The death of a man whose body was found in a burning car in Cromwell was ruled accidental, according to the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Creates opportunities for mentorship and career development through spontaneous interactions.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Those days of spontaneous travel and memorable experiences don't have to be over.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Depth and art are not a license to impose behavior on those who are young, confused, vulnerable, trusting yet unwilling.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
16 Feb. 2025
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His doctor at the ALS clinic recommended a feeding tube, but Richard refused, unwilling to risk recovery time.—
Wash Westmoreland,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The executive order equates these cartels with organizations like the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda, broadening legal tools for the U.S. to combat cartel operations but raising fears of unintended consequences.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
13 Feb. 2025
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And, sometimes, production choices can have unintended consequences.—
Kayti Burt,
TIME,
12 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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