1
as in volunteer
done, made, or given with one's own free will
a voluntary contribution to the school's fund-raising drive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice
participation in the resort's recreational activities is strictly voluntary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in conscious
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing
the legal distinctions between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of voluntary
That distinction is still a totally voluntary one to make as it has not yet been legally codified, despite the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association’s guidelines, but major companies like Nikka and Suntory abide by them.
—
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
The voluntary recall filed April 30 affects Waymo vehicles operating on the company’s fifth and sixth generation Automated Driving System.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
The ceasefire plan includes provisions for voluntary buyback of weapons in Gaza, conditional amnesty for those who lay down their arms, and safe passage abroad for those unwilling to accept the framework.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
However, before investigators could obtain a voluntary DNA sample, Collins died by suicide in January 2026.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for voluntary
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
The voluntary recall filed April 30 affects Waymo vehicles operating on the company’s fifth and sixth generation Automated Driving System.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
The ceasefire plan includes provisions for voluntary buyback of weapons in Gaza, conditional amnesty for those who lay down their arms, and safe passage abroad for those unwilling to accept the framework.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
However, before investigators could obtain a voluntary DNA sample, Collins died by suicide in January 2026.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for voluntary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voluntary
Adjective
-
Within the past couple of years, the group has become a part of Arrowhead Kingdom, an all-volunteer national network of Chiefs fan groups.—
Hannah Kirby,
Journal Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2023
-
That’s noteworthy for a show based at a high-school auditorium in Litchfield and run by a staff that is almost entirely volunteer, including the show’s star and its producer.—
Susan Dunne,
Hartford Courant,
18 Aug. 2022
Adjective
-
Credit insurance is typically optional, with the exception of private mortgage insurance (PMI) on a home loan.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
The study’s scope includes an optional component — triggered only if the initial assessment warrants it — that would produce a conceptual design and site plan for a potential eastern substation, including cost estimates.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
When customers are highly price-conscious, the instinct is to justify your cost.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Even as chicken thigh sales continue to climb, health-conscious Americans remain obsessed with the boneless, skinless chicken breast.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
When asked whether national Democrats would be willing to spend heavily in Texas, where statewide campaigns can cost hundreds of millions of dollars, Schumer suggested Democrats believe the political environment is shifting in their favor.—
Kiara Moore,
The Washington Examiner,
19 May 2026
-
At that point, climate strategy becomes less about innovation alone and more about governance, credibility and what people are willing to count as credit.—
Caitlin Grady,
The Conversation,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Design features in the rooms The rooms offer a deliberate exhale after the exuberance of the communal spaces.—
Bridget Mills-Powell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 May 2026
-
Starmer's former deputy Angela Rayner said on Thursday that she had been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing over her tax affairs, boosting her prospects for another potential leadership bid.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Crews will then guide the liner by hand to its intended location.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
The policy had its intended effect on ML.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Dodge County District Attorney’s Office also formally charged Aaron with first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse, the sheriff’s office said.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
20 May 2026
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Kang sued Varughese in August 2022, about a month after the investigations closed, alleging false reporting and intentional infliction of emotional distress.—
Joe Nelson,
Daily News,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Some of Thomas’s critique appeared to be aimed at weak-willed conservatives, including his fellow-Justices, for being, as Thomas perceives it, too spineless to stand up for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
21 May 2026
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Meanwhile, gracious but iron-willed family matriarch Claudine works tirelessly behind the scenes to hush up family scandals.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Voluntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluntary. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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