unintentional

adjective

ˌən-in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
Definition of unintentionalnext
1
as in accidental
happening by chance an unintentional encounter with an old classmate at the mall

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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

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 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 Arday has previously denied any deliberate wrongdoing, describing mistakes in his academic work as unintentional and arguing that much of the criticism amounts to an ideologically and racially motivated campaign against him. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 6 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
  1. accidental
  2. spontaneous
  3. unwilling
  4. unintended
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
  • The report said the company was strengthening its research infrastructure, increasing monitoring and improving safeguards designed to prevent harmful or unintended behavior.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The initial concern driving the passage of Pueblo’s ban was syringe litter, but our study suggests that restrictions on harm reduction services may have significant unintended consequences that hinder community public health efforts.
    — Paul Christine, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of unintended

Browse Nearby Words

unintended
unintentional
unintentionally
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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