voluntarily
6 synonyms and 6 antonyms for voluntarily, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — Done by choice, without being forced or paid to do it.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use voluntarily
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From voluntary + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of voluntarily →Frequently asked questions
What does “voluntarily” mean?
The word “voluntarily” means done by choice, without being forced or paid to do it. In plain terms, done of your own free will, not because you had to.
How do you pronounce “voluntarily”?
“Voluntarily” is pronounced vo-luhn-TEH-rih-lee (/ˌvɑlənˈtɛɹɪli/ in IPA).
How do you use “voluntarily” in a sentence?
Here is “voluntarily” used in a sentence: “She voluntarily gave up her seat on the crowded train.”
What is the opposite of “voluntarily”?
The opposite of “voluntarily” — its antonyms — are compulsorily, involuntarily, accidentally, unintentionally and unknowingly.
What part of speech is “voluntarily”?
“Voluntarily” is an adverb.
Is “voluntarily” a common word?
“Voluntarily” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between voluntarily and involuntarily?
Voluntarily describes an action done by choice, without being forced or paid to do it, while involuntarily describes an action done without control or intention, such as a reflex. A person who voluntarily resigns chooses to leave, whereas someone involuntarily dismissed does not choose the outcome.
When should you use voluntarily instead of willingly?
Voluntarily emphasizes that an action was not required or compelled, while willingly emphasizes eagerness or lack of reluctance in doing it. Someone can act voluntarily without necessarily being enthusiastic, whereas willingly implies a more positive attitude toward the task.
Is voluntarily used in legal or formal contexts?
Yes, voluntarily is common in legal and formal writing to describe actions taken by free choice rather than under compulsion, such as a voluntarily signed agreement or voluntarily disclosed information. This precise sense makes it useful for contracts, statements, and official reports.