involuntary

adjective

in·​vol·​un·​tary (ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
-ˌte-rē
Synonyms of involuntary
1
: done contrary to or without choice
2
: compulsory
3
: not subject to control of the will : reflex
involuntarily
(ˌ)in-ˌvä-lən-ˈter-ə-lē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
-ˈte-rə-
adverb
involuntariness
(ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē-nəs How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
-ˌte-rē-
noun

Synonyms of involuntary

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Examples of involuntary in a Sentence

Breathing and circulation are involuntary processes. When the door burst open, she let out an involuntary shriek. The lawyer argued that the client's confession was involuntary.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Her siblings alleged in Death of the Pastor’s Wife that John-Paul called a mental hospital during their separation and initiated an involuntary hospitalization. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 In Death of the Pastor’s Wife, her siblings allege that John-Paul called a psychiatric hospital that same month and initiated an involuntary hospitalization. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026 Voluntary buyouts always offer better terms than involuntary staff reductions. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 Apps like Naver work as alternatives, but recalibrating a travel habit that feels nearly involuntary takes time. — Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for involuntary

Word History

Etymology

Middle English involuntari, from Late Latin involuntarius, from Latin in- + voluntarius voluntary

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of involuntary was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing involuntary

Rhymes for involuntary

See All Rhymes for involuntary

Browse Nearby Words

involuntariness
involuntary
involuntary admission
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Cite this Entry

“Involuntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/involuntary. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

involuntary

adjective
in·​vol·​un·​tary (ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
1
: not made or done willingly or from choice : unwilling
2
: being enforced or required : mandatory
3
: not normally under the control of the will
an involuntary response to a stimulus
involuntarily
(ˌ)in-ˌväl-ən-ˈter-ə-lē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

involuntary

adjective
in·​vol·​un·​tary (ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
: not subject to control of the will : reflex
involuntary contractions

Legal Definition

involuntary

adjective
in·​vol·​un·​tary in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce involuntary (audio)
: done, made, or initiated contrary to or without one's choice
an involuntary confession
an involuntary lien
an involuntary plaintiff joined in the action
involuntarily adverb
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