Definitions

volunteer

[vol-uhn-teer] / ˌvɒl ənˈtɪər /

VERB

offer to do something

Synonyms

STRONGEST

come forward enlist sign up step forward suggest

STRONG

advance present proffer propose tender

WEAK

bring forward chip in do on one's own volition go in let oneself in for offer services put at one's disposal put forward speak up stand up submit oneself take bull by the horns take initiative take the plunge take upon oneself

Antonyms

STRONG

take back

WEAK

compel force obligate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Becky, who lives in East Grinstead, said she "always had a heart to come back to an African country," and decided to volunteer for the international health charity Mercy Ships.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“There would probably be some requirement to do volunteer work or community activity.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

One tournament volunteer who scored one said he inadvertently sparked a bidding war after people saw him holding his gnome on the grounds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Activists like Sharp, who lives in Wilmington in rural Ohio, say that despite their misgivings about the technology, artificial intelligence can speed up their volunteer work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

“They volunteer here, and—” Julio began, but was interrupted by Jimmy asking if they could just get on with things.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

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