UNWILLINGLY Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

unwillingly

adverb

Definition of unwillingly next

as in involuntarily

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unwillingly And after miraculously surviving the attack that left her with facial paralysis and a bullet forever lodged in her brain, Buttafuoco was immediately, unwillingly thrust into the spotlight. —

Janine Rubenstein, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026 The narrative follows Kim Phúc into adulthood—her education, religious awakening, defection to Canada, and, by taking ownership of the photograph in which she was unwillingly portrayed, her eventual emergence as a humanitarian advocate for child victims of conflict. —

Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025 Reeves is a cranky, deadpanning Estragon, wallowing in frustration as his gangly limbs swing, unwillingly turning to his friend but also welcoming the help, the hugs. —

Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025 Remember that the members of the military and the National Guard who will be asked to walk these streets are, for the most part, here unwillingly. —

USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025 Jake never did learn that Anna and Tess unwillingly switched bodies overnight. —

Mara Reinstein, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwillingly

Adverb

Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the owners, who are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm and involuntarily causing a fire.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Before the public hearing and council vote, city attorney Jeremy Sorelle said that in 2019, the Legislature took away cities’ authority to involuntarily annex land, meaning property owners have to request annexation.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2026