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as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice participation in the resort's recreational activities is strictly voluntary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word voluntary different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of voluntary are deliberate, intentional, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

Where would deliberate be a reasonable alternative to voluntary?

While the synonyms deliberate and voluntary are close in meaning, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

When is it sensible to use intentional instead of voluntary?

Although the words intentional and voluntary have much in common, intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When could willing be used to replace voluntary?

The synonyms willing and voluntary are sometimes interchangeable, but willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

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 voluntary The voluntary recall, initiated by Agri-Mark Inc, Cabot Creamery's parent company, affects the brand's 8-ounce Extra Creamy Premium Sea Salted Butter and was distributed in seven states. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 In the letter, DeJoy told lawmakers that the agency plans to cut 10,000 employees through voluntary early retirement efforts. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025 Then Nick’s wife, Rose, shows up to close: Everyone oohs and aahs over her pregnant belly, and suddenly Canada is open to voluntary repatriation as long as the United Nations monitors. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Apr. 2025 Moving on from failure But not all departures are voluntary. Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for voluntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voluntary
Adjective
  • Within the past couple of years, the group has become a part of Arrowhead Kingdom, an all-volunteer national network of Chiefs fan groups.
    Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2023
  • That’s noteworthy for a show based at a high-school auditorium in Litchfield and run by a staff that is almost entirely volunteer, including the show’s star and its producer.
    Susan Dunne, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2022
Adjective
  • Tornado Cash is comprised of immutable smart contracts and an optional user interface with enhanced privacy features, which the DOJ claims the developers controlled.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The other three graduated and were on optional practical training (OPT).
    Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • First responders arrived at the scene around 10:03 a.m. to find Joseph conscious and alert, the sheriff's office said.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Diplomatic and socially conscious, Mitchell chooses to keep the peace in his relationships, especially seeing both sides of an argument, just like Libra.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no one protecting him because there’s no one there willing to say no to him.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The two states have been building more new homes than any other in the country over the past few years, but this growing inventory is struggling to find willing buyers as the U.S. remains in the midst of a housing affordability crisis.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The deliberate elimination of gender-affirming care in many states is a serious human rights violation.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • As the recovery needle for Chinook moves in the wrong direction, Katz said deliberate action is urgent.
    Alastair Bland | CalMatters, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For now, the most exclusive address in American diplomacy stands empty, its intended resident sidelined by the tough math of congressional politics.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
  • An average dE of below 2 indicates color accurate enough that a casual observer may be unable to distinguish any variation between the color on screen and the intended (source) color.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These new regulations are meant to reduce the chances of intentional or unintentional targeting of white sharks, which not only harms the animals but also increases public safety risks.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This is often not intentional fraud but is due to the handler not understanding the difference between an ESA and a service dog.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Carnegie is convinced that sincerity is as easily willed as a ready smile and a memory for names.
    Ann Hulbert, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The entire texture of that life, its willed imposture.
    Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Voluntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluntary. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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