easy
The cleanup was voluntary.
What does Voluntary mean?
Voluntary means done by free choice.
Dictionary definition
Voluntary means done by choice and not forced.
Example sentences
Voluntary in a sentence
medium
Joining the art club is voluntary, so students choose whether to sign up.
hard
A voluntary action shows choice because the person decides to do it without being forced.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice voluntary in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Voluntary
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does voluntary mean?
Voluntary means voluntary means done by free choice.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to voluntary?
Optional is close in meaning to voluntary in this entry.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for voluntary?
Required is a useful contrast for voluntary.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Voluntary
Voice settings
Sounds like
vol · un · tair · ee · strongest beat: vol
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordVoluntary.
Partadjective.
MeaningVoluntary means done by free choice.
ExampleExample: The cleanup was voluntary.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- vol · un · tair · ee
- Strongest beat
- vol
- Ending
- ee
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on vol.
Your turn
Say Voluntary
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced voluntary.
Synonyms
Words like Voluntary
Antonyms
Opposite words
requiredUse when something must be done.
forcedUse when someone has no free choice.
Synonym practice
Want to practice voluntary synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The extra reading challenge was voluntary," then compare close word choices. Practice voluntary synonyms.
Word family
Voluntary word family
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Voluntary
Hint for students
Voluntary means done by choice. It often describes actions, groups, activities, or help that is not required.
Common mix-up
Do not confuse voluntary with easy. A voluntary task can still be hard; the key is that it is chosen freely.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows voluntary without using the word voluntary. Then underline the clue words that show free choice rather than being forced. Example: No one had to join the cleanup, but five students signed up anyway. Clue words: no one had to, signed up anyway Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show someone choosing freely?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Joining the art club is voluntary, so students choose whether to sign up." Why does voluntary fit better than required?
Learning activities
Practice Voluntary and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice VOLUNTARY” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice VOLUNTARY
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with VOLUNTARY
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice VOLUNTARY
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes VOLUNTARY.
Practice VOLUNTARY
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words