spontaneous

Meaning

Performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.

Examples

• Their decision to elope was completely spontaneous, surprising all their friends and family.
• The audience burst into spontaneous applause after the stunning performance.

Pronunciation: /spɒnˈteɪniəs/

How to Use spontaneous

be spontaneous (collocation)

To act without planning, often on impulse. — "It's good to be spontaneous sometimes and just see where the day takes you."

spontaneous decision (collocation)

A decision made without prior thought or planning. — "Buying the tickets was a spontaneous decision, but we had a great time."

spontaneous applause (collocation)

Applause that starts suddenly and without being organized. — "The crowd erupted in spontaneous applause at the end of the concert."

Synonyms of spontaneous

Words with a similar meaning to spontaneous:

• impulsive
• unplanned
• instinctive
• unrehearsed

Antonyms of spontaneous

Words with the opposite meaning to spontaneous:

• planned
• deliberate
• premeditated