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
Were there any things that happened during the filming of the special that were unexpected that kind of stood out to you as far as maybe some unintentional humor?
—
Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
But some unintentional purists, like Mays, remain on the hairy fringe.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Ducati says this is to avoid unintentional engagement of neutral during the last and most crucial stage of braking.
—New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026
Digitally tweaked to fit the syncopated rhythm and stay on key, Weir’s vocals have a discomfiting quality that’s almost certainly unintentional—especially considering how often the beauty of the Dead lied in their very human imperfections.
—Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
But some unintentional purists, like Mays, remain on the hairy fringe.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Ducati says this is to avoid unintentional engagement of neutral during the last and most crucial stage of braking.
—New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026
Digitally tweaked to fit the syncopated rhythm and stay on key, Weir’s vocals have a discomfiting quality that’s almost certainly unintentional—especially considering how often the beauty of the Dead lied in their very human imperfections.
—Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unintentional
Adjective
-
An infant’s accidental exposure to an infected child can mean serious illness, brain swelling and sometimes death.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
An infant’s accidental exposure to an infected child can mean serious illness, brain swelling and sometimes death.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Briery said spontaneous identical triplets are worth marking, no matter how rare.—
Ryan Brennan
April 29,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Apr. 2026
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Before then, Venus and Uranus are lighting up your local world and social life, making the first two weeks ripe for spontaneous adventure closer to home.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But social mobility in this dog-eat-dog environment comes at a high price, one the benevolent Rastignac is initially unwilling to pay.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
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But let’s set aside the fact for a moment that a sequel might not include some of Jackson’s biggest hits and would instead focus on a controversial moment in the singer’s life that his estate may be unwilling or unable to explore.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This turns out to be literally true but comes with unintended consequences.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2026
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Saving on attorney fees upfront may be appealing, but the potential for errors, delays or unintended consequences can quickly outweigh those savings.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unintentional. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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