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
The carbon fiber can act as an unintentional heat shield for heavier, more harmful debris.
—
Matthew Ray, The Conversation, 13 May 2026
Unsafe firearm storage also increases the risk of unintentional injuries and of mass shootings, says Sathya.
—Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 12 May 2026
Superintendent Chris Pennington called it an unintentional administrative mistake with no nefarious intent.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
The recent yacht rock renaissance has elevated the profile of both the song and of singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, restoring its status as a certifiable bop after years spent wandering in the desert of unintentional camp.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Matthew Ray, The Conversation, 13 May 2026
Unsafe firearm storage also increases the risk of unintentional injuries and of mass shootings, says Sathya.
—Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 12 May 2026
Superintendent Chris Pennington called it an unintentional administrative mistake with no nefarious intent.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
The recent yacht rock renaissance has elevated the profile of both the song and of singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, restoring its status as a certifiable bop after years spent wandering in the desert of unintentional camp.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
-
Acrasia wears a face crafted by history and time, but Phalene wears a face crafted by Acrasia, who is a significantly less accidental artist than history.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
Warranties typically exclude routine maintenance, wear and tear, and accidental damage.—
Charlotte Maracina,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
But energy itself – raucous, coordinated and diligently trained on every shot – seems largely spontaneous and self-generated.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
20 May 2026
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From scenic highways and spontaneous detours to roadside inns and vintage diners, road trips offer a certain kind of freedom and ambiance that a flight can simply never replicate.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
But Leetch was unwilling to make such a defiant gesture.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Whiteness craves power and money and is unwilling to concede that power and money to non-whites.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
This strategy may have unintended consequences, such as accidentally doubling up or avoiding certain countries, which could have a huge impact on your total return.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
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High school student Mia Tatar, 16, raised concerns at the board meeting that there’s been an unintended consequence to the anti-tech backlash.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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