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.

“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

Government inaction is behind the proliferation in recent years of volunteer search “collectives,” many composed of relatives of the missing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Mark Watson, a committee member for the Wombles, said bottles and cans make up a significant proportion of the rubbish collected by the volunteer group.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Getting anybody to join a club, or volunteer for a committee, or do anything at all is like having your teeth pulled out one at a time by needle-nose pliers.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

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