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 Cook argues this creates an unintentional selfishness, in which your anxious thoughts distract you from noticing what’s actually going on with the people around you. — Hannah Harper, HEALTH, 14 Aug. 2026 The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Christopher Nolan’s Catwoman was never going to evoke the (intentional) camp of Michelle Pfeiffer or the (unintentional) camp of Halle Berry. — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026 Drug overdose deaths still elevated Last year, 1,554 people died of unintentional drug overdoses, up from 1,409 in 2024 and 884 in 2019. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2026 Snipping stems too late on old wood blooming hydrangeas can result in the unintentional removal of new flower buds. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unintentional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional

Adjective

This included expert witnesses who said the child’s death was an accidental drowning brought on by a seizure and a jailhouse informant who recanted his trial testimony that Duncan had confessed to the crime.

— Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
In all three cases, authorities have appeared to suggest their deaths were accidental.

— Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of accidental

Adjective

Because of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization in its crystal structure, GaN heterostructures can naturally induce extremely thin sheets of mobile electrons and holes.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
With a vehicle this size, 180 hp isn't exactly a recipe for spontaneous joy.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of spontaneous

Adjective

The first-generation Apple Watch SE is a practical entry point for someone curious about the Apple Watch but unwilling to pay flagship prices.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026
The Iranians have now discovered the power of their geography and seem unwilling to give up on controlling/administering the Strait of Hormuz.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of unwilling

Adjective

Prosecutors argued at trial that Shirilla intentionally drove into the building to end her toxic relationship with Russo and that Flanagan was an unintended victim who happened to be in the car.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
An agent with legitimate credentials can perform actions that are technically authorized but operationally unintended.

— Brian Contos, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unintentional

adjective

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