spontaneity

noun

spon·​ta·​ne·​i·​ty ˌspän-tə-ˈnē-ə-tē  -ˈnā- 

1

: the quality or state of being spontaneous

2

: voluntary or undetermined action or movement

also : its source

Synonyms

• abandon
• abandonment
• ease
• lightheartedness
• naturalness
• spontaneousness
• unconstraint
• uninhibitedness
• unrestraint

Examples of spontaneity in a Sentence

the spontaneity of their behavior

the couple sacrificed some of the spontaneity in their lives when they both got nine-to-five jobs

Recent Examples on the Web

Plans are Tetris-ed into a packed calendar and planned well in advance, leaving little room for spontaneity. —Lauren Mazzo, SELF, 23 Dec. 2024

Such moments of relative spontaneity gave the evening a pleasingly relaxed feel. —Mark Sutherland, Variety, 19 Dec. 2024

While preparation is key, leaving room for spontaneity can create moments of genuine connection. —Jane Hanson, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Grande and Erivo give Stephen Schwartz’s songs — comedy numbers, introspective ballads, power anthems — effortless spontaneity. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin spontāneitāt-, spontāneitās, from Late Latin spontāneus "voluntary, unconstrained, spontaneous" + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spontaneity

noun

spon·​ta·​ne·​ity

ˌspänt-ən-ˈē-ət-ē,

ˌspänt-ᵊn-,

-ˈā-ət-

: the quality or state of being spontaneous