Synonyms for

Inadvertently

Verb / ˌɪnʌˈdvɜ:tʌntli: / / ˌɪnæˈdvɜ:tʌntli: / Another word for inadvertently — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Inadvertently means doing something unintentionally or by accident.

Synonyms & similar words

unwittingly advertently wittingly knowingly unknowingly accidentally unintentionally unwittingly carelessly thoughtlessly negligently unconsciously unknowingly unthinkingly unawarely incidentally involuntarily unplanned unintended inattentively heedlessly forgetfully

Synonyms by register

Formal

unintentionally unwittingly accidentally unintentionally

Informal

by mistake by accident oops no worries

Literary

unawares unwittingly

Antonyms

intentionally deliberately purposefully consciously knowingly willfully designedly

Common collocations

  • inadvertently caused
  • inadvertently omitted
  • inadvertently revealed
  • inadvertently made
  • inadvertently stumbled
  • inadvertently clicked
  • inadvertently hurt

Word family

noun inadvertence
adjective inadvertent
adverb inadvertently

Usage note

This adverb describes an action done without intention or planning. It is often used to soften the impact of a mistake or oversight, implying it was not malicious.

Example sentences

  1. He inadvertently spilled his drink on the table.
  2. She inadvertently hurt her friend's feelings by not inviting her to the party.
  3. The teacher inadvertently gave the class the wrong homework assignment.
  4. The dog inadvertently knocked over the trash can while playing.
  5. I inadvertently left my phone at home this morning.

Quotes

  • I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou
  • You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do. - Henry Ford
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill

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