Synonyms for

Unintentionally

Verb / ˌʌnɪˈntenʃʌnʌli: / / ˌʌnɪˈntenʃnʌli: / Another word for unintentionally — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Without intention; accidentally.

Synonyms & similar words

deliberately intentionally accidentally accidentally inadvertently unwittingly unconsciously unknowingly carelessly negligently thoughtlessly unthinkingly unplanned unpremeditated unwilled unintended unmeant unpurposed unstudied unthought unthoughtful unvoluntary unwillful

Synonyms by register

Formal

inadvertently unwittingly unintentionally accidentally

Informal

by accident by mistake without meaning to on the sly

Literary

unawares unwittingly haplessly

Antonyms

intentionally deliberately purposely consciously willfully designedly on purpose

Common collocations

  • unintentionally caused
  • unintentionally harmed
  • unintentionally revealed
  • unintentionally deleted
  • unintentionally left
  • unintentionally bumped
  • unintentionally said

Word family

noun intention
verb intend
adjective intentional
adverb intentionally

Usage note

This adverb describes an action done without planning or conscious thought. It is often used to soften the impact of a mistake or oversight.

Example sentences

  1. I unintentionally stepped on a beetle.
  2. He unintentionally broke the vase while playing with his ball.
  3. She unintentionally hurt her sisters feelings by forgetting her birthday.
  4. The cat unintentionally knocked over the vase with its tail.
  5. The dog unintentionally ate the cake left on the counter.

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