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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of unintentional
In Wisconsin over the past eight years, there have been 15 to 20 unintentional shootings each year involving children, a handful of them fatal.
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John Diedrich, Journal Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
The National Violent Death Reporting System analyzed data from 2003 to 2021 and found that the largest percentage of unintentional firearm deaths in the U.S. — 33% — occurred among children ages 11 to 15, followed by children 0-5 (29%).
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024
Save your money, minimize unintentional harm to these beautiful birds, and make your own sugary nectar without any food coloring or color additives.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2024
These are subtle, unintentional comments or actions that convey stereotypes, biases or negative assumptions about someone based on their race.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unintentional 
John Diedrich, Journal Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
The National Violent Death Reporting System analyzed data from 2003 to 2021 and found that the largest percentage of unintentional firearm deaths in the U.S. — 33% — occurred among children ages 11 to 15, followed by children 0-5 (29%).
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024
Save your money, minimize unintentional harm to these beautiful birds, and make your own sugary nectar without any food coloring or color additives.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2024
These are subtle, unintentional comments or actions that convey stereotypes, biases or negative assumptions about someone based on their race.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
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Starring Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the lead role, the film charts Epstein’s life as a gay, Jewish maverick who was instrumental in the Beatles’ rise before his death, of an accidental drug overdose, in 1967.Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 12 Dec. 2024
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While closely studying the pieces under a microscope, the team concluded that the burning likely occurred quickly after their deaths and was accidental.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Again, a sequel followed, with 2010's Little Fockers seeing Greg and wife Pam (Teri Polo) juggle looking after their five-year-old twins with a spontaneous visit from the in-laws.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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After 10 years of dating, followed by a two-year-long engagement, the couple made their union official through spontaneous nuptials.Emily Weaver, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Many parents were unwilling to send young children to school during the height of COVID-19, while numerous preschools temporarily shut down.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
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People will be afraid to take risks, stuck in their old ways or simply unwilling to listen.Brian Slipka, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The industry that moves everything Americans make and buy is considered an economic bellwether, and will be among the first to signal any unintended consequences of trade policies that Trump says will help, not hurt, U.S. businesses.Lisa Baertlein, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
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Companies enforcing rigid office returns already see unintended consequences - rising leave requests, declining productivity, and top talent resigning due to lack of consideration.Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near unintentional
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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