VOLUNTARY: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for VOLUNTARY?

Need another word that means the same as “voluntary”? Find 17 synonyms and 30 related words for “voluntary” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Voluntary” are: optional, discretionary, elective, not required, open, open to choice, volitional, up to the individual, unpaid, unsalaried, free of charge, for free, military volunteer, volunteer, overture, introduction, opening

Voluntary as a Noun

Definitions of "Voluntary" as a noun

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “voluntary” as a noun can have the following definitions:

• An organ solo played before, during, or after a church service.
• A piece of music performed extempore, especially as a prelude to other music, or composed in a free style.
• A person who freely enlists for service.
• Composition (often improvised) for a solo instrument (especially solo organ) and not a regular part of a religious service or musical performance.
• (military) a person who freely enlists for service.
• (in a competition) a special performance left to the performer's choice.

Synonyms of "Voluntary" as a noun (5 Words)

introduction	Formally making a person known to another or to the public. They resisted the introduction of impractical alternatives.
military volunteer	The military forces of a nation.
opening	The act of opening something. He memorized all the important chess openings.
overture	An approach or proposal made to someone with the aim of opening negotiations or establishing a relationship. The talks were no more than an overture to a long debate.
volunteer	A plant that has not been deliberately planted. The railway is operated solely by volunteers.

Voluntary as an Adjective

Definitions of "Voluntary" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “voluntary” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

• Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
• Of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled.
• Working, done, or maintained without payment.
• Controlled by individual volition.
• (of a conveyance or disposition) made without return in money or other consideration.
• Under the conscious control of the brain.

Synonyms of "Voluntary" as an adjective (12 Words)

discretionary	(especially of funds) not earmarked; available for use as needed. Discretionary funds.
elective	(of a person or office) appointed or filled by election. He had never held elective office.
for free	Not fixed in position.
free of charge	Able to act at will; not hampered; not under compulsion or restraint.
not required	Required by rule.
open	Of a vowel produced with a relatively wide opening of the mouth and the tongue kept low. The party s commitment to open government.
open to choice	Not brought to a conclusion; subject to further thought.
optional	Possible but not necessary; left to personal choice. A wide range of optional excursions is offered.
unpaid	Without payment. She spent most of her time fulfilling the role of unpaid housekeeper.
unsalaried	Not being paid or involving the payment of a salary. An unsalaried post.
up to the individual	In readiness.
volitional	With deliberate intention. Acceptance is a volitional act.

Usage Examples of "Voluntary" as an adjective

• Voluntary social workers.
• Voluntary muscles.
• Voluntary motions.
• Voluntary generosity in times of disaster.
• A voluntary helper.
• Participation was voluntary.
• Man is a voluntary agent.
• We are funded by voluntary contributions.
• A voluntary confession.
• Voluntary contraction of the calf muscles.
• Voluntary manslaughter.

Associations of "Voluntary" (30 Words)

apt	(usually followed by `to’) naturally disposed toward. She proved an apt pupil.
cheerfully	In a cheerful way. He cheerfully admits to being the wrong side of fifty.
deservedly	In the way that is deserved; rightfully. They are top of the league and deservedly so.
discretionary	Available for use at the discretion of the user. Discretionary income.
disposed	Naturally disposed toward. James didn t seem disposed to take the hint.
eager	Strongly wanting to do or have something. An eager look.
extemporize	Compose or perform something such as music or a speech without preparation; improvise. He extemporized at the piano.
fain	Gladly. I would fain do it.
gladly	Willingly or eagerly. She offered me a lift and I gladly accepted.
happily	In a happy way. They shouted happily.
impromptu	Without advance preparation. A witty impromptu must not sound premeditated.
improvise	Produce or make (something) from whatever is available. I improvised a costume for myself out of an old blue dress.
inclined	Leaning or turning away from the vertical or horizontal; sloping. An inclined ramp.
instinctive	(of a person) doing or being a specified thing apparently naturally or automatically. Offering to help was as instinctive as breathing.
involuntary	Not subject to the control of the will. A policy of involuntary repatriation.
makeshift	Something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency. Arranging a row of chairs to form a makeshift bed.
minded	Mentally oriented toward something specified. I am not minded to answer any questions.
partiality	A particular liking or fondness for something. Miller s partiality for flowering shrubs is evident.
participation	The action of taking part in something. The scheme is based on employer participation.
prepared	Equipped or prepared with necessary intellectual resources. Be prepared for emergencies.
prone	Having a tendency (to); often used in combination. A child prone to mischief.
reflex	In reflexology a response in a part of the body to stimulation of a corresponding point on the feet hands or head. Sneezing is reflexive.
spontaneous	Said or done without having been planned or written in advance. Spontaneous miscarriages.
spontaneously	Without apparent external cause or stimulus. The crowd spontaneously burst into song.
unforced	Not brought about by coercion or force. A voice with a pleasingly unforced quality.
volitional	With deliberate intention. Acceptance is a volitional act.
willful	Habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition. Willful disobedience.
willing	Ready, eager, or prepared to do something. A willing participant.
willingly	In a willing manner. She went willingly.
willingness	Cheerful compliance. The ability and willingness of workers to migrate.