Synonyms for

Voluntary

Verb / ˈvɑ:lʌnteri: / Another word for voluntary — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Voluntary means done, given, or acting of one's own free will, without being compelled or forced.

Synonyms & similar words

militaryvolunteer volunteer draftee involuntary willing unforced optional volitional elective self-imposed uncoerced unobligatory volitional volunteer spontaneous unasked unsolicited unpressed non-compulsory non-mandatory nonobligatory freewill discretionary open

Synonyms by register

Formal

discretionary optional elective unforced

Informal

on your own of your own free will self-initiated

Literary

freewilled spontaneous

Antonyms

forced involuntary compulsory obligatory unwilling coerced mandatory

Common collocations

  • voluntary action
  • voluntary work
  • voluntary sector
  • voluntary retirement
  • voluntary contribution
  • voluntary organization
  • voluntary basis
  • voluntary confession

Word family

noun volition
adverb voluntarily

Usage note

Often used to describe actions or choices made without external pressure. 'Voluntary' implies a conscious decision, while 'involuntary' suggests something happening without one's control.

Example sentences

  1. The students made a voluntary contribution to the charity.
  2. I volunteered for the job on a voluntary basis.
  3. He went to the hospital as a voluntary patient.
  4. The company offers a voluntary retirement plan for its employees.
  5. She made a voluntary confession to the police.

Quotes

  • The greatest gift is a portion of thyself. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words