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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unintentional
In 2023, Everytown recorded 411 unintentional shootings by children nationwide, which resulted in 158 deaths and 269 injuries.
—
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 20 May 2025
What To Know The class-action lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple Inc., alleged that the tech giant infringed on users' privacy by allowing unintentional Siri activations to capture confidential communications without consent.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
This creates a potential for manipulation, albeit unintentional on the AI's part.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Not including Friday's incident in Racine, at least 63 unintentional shootings by children have already occurred this year, according to Everytown.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 20 May 2025
What To Know The class-action lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple Inc., alleged that the tech giant infringed on users' privacy by allowing unintentional Siri activations to capture confidential communications without consent.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
This creates a potential for manipulation, albeit unintentional on the AI's part.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Not including Friday's incident in Racine, at least 63 unintentional shootings by children have already occurred this year, according to Everytown.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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The trauma Miami Dolphins fans experience isn’t accidental.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
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The difference in these teams after this opening act — 80 minutes of often great, mostly white-knuckled hockey — was an accidental flip of the puck out of play for a two-minute penalty near the end of overtime.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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For travelers looking for nearby, spontaneous adventures, Airbnb’s summer report also shares the top trending domestic destinations among US guests this summer, with unique stays ranging from cozy cabins to beach house retreats.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Yet for shows like the one in Houston, Erivo is aiming for something looser, more spontaneous, slightly lower-key.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Real estate agents across the country report a chilled environment, with sellers unwilling to lower their prices and buyers reluctant to make a big purchase as the economy flounders and the costs for a mortgage, insurance and property taxes rise.—
Ronda Kaysen,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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The bad-guy turn came because Rhodes, dressed like a discount Homelander but seemingly unwilling to make the smart move to the dark side, was running out of breathing room.—
Oliver Bateman,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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As reproductive technology continues to advance and global mobility increases, this case serves as a cautionary tale regarding the unintended consequences that can arise when regulation and oversight fail to keep pace with scientific advances.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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By opening the door to parole for such a wide range of violent offenders, SB 672 unleashes a Pandora’s box of unintended consequences.—
Brian W Jones,
Oc Register,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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