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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unintentional
In April 2021, a Minnesota jury found Chauvin guilty on state charges of unintentional murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
—
Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Patients are in vulnerable positions and divulge personal information, so medical professionals have a duty to treat that vulnerability with care so as to avoid harm, intentional or unintentional.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
In the aftermath, five people were charged in connection with his death, three with negligent homicide, or unintentional manslaughter, and two with supplying drugs.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
This single example illuminates how inequality permeates every aspect of American life impacting equal treatment, in ways that are obvious and subtle, intentional and unintentional.
—Lewis M. Rambo, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Patients are in vulnerable positions and divulge personal information, so medical professionals have a duty to treat that vulnerability with care so as to avoid harm, intentional or unintentional.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
In the aftermath, five people were charged in connection with his death, three with negligent homicide, or unintentional manslaughter, and two with supplying drugs.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
This single example illuminates how inequality permeates every aspect of American life impacting equal treatment, in ways that are obvious and subtle, intentional and unintentional.
—Lewis M. Rambo, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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The review found that many of the deaths reported to VAERS claiming to be linked to the MMR included children who has serious underlying medical conditions or had deaths that were unrelated to the vaccine, including accidental deaths.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
14 Mar. 2025
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Drinking alcohol is bad in many ways; raising a glass can raise your risks of various health problems, such as accidental injuries, liver diseases, high blood pressure, and several types of cancers.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While the photo recreation may seem spontaneous, Evelyn told Newsweek that her mom was the real mastermind behind it.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
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Spellbound audiences burst into spontaneous applause.—
Thomas Doherty,
The Hollywood Reporter,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Survivors and their families are often unwilling or unable to come forward due to challenges accessing services, along with fears of stigma, rejection by their family or community and retribution from armed groups.—
Sarah Ferguson,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
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Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, the ICC can step in when countries are unwilling or unable to prosecute suspects for the most heinous international crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While Elon Musk has emerged as one of President Donald Trump's most loyal supporters—backing his policies and contributing over $300 million to his reelection campaign—the tech mogul's companies are now fearful of the unintended consequences of the administration's aggressive trade measures.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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This means strong oversight and safeguards to head off unintended consequences.—
Brian Neely,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
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