spontaneity

noun

spon·​ta·​ne·​i·​ty ˌspän-tə-ˈnē-ə-tē How to pronounce spontaneity (audio) -ˈnā- How to pronounce spontaneity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being spontaneous
2
: voluntary or undetermined action or movement
also : its source

Examples of spontaneity in a Sentence

the spontaneity of their behavior the couple sacrificed some of the spontaneity in their lives when they both got nine-to-five jobs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Modern leadership demands an ability to balance control and adaptability, structure and spontaneity. Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 One employee from Japan may approach collaboration more formally, while a colleague in Brazil values open dialogue and spontaneity. Rhett Power, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025 April 20 will likely encourage spontaneity and bring confidence and magnetism your way. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025 Ani, swept up in his life of luxury and spontaneity, agrees and moves into his mansion. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spontaneity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin spontāneitāt-, spontāneitās, from Late Latin spontāneus "voluntary, unconstrained, spontaneous" + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spontaneity was in 1651

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Cite this Entry

“Spontaneity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spontaneity. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

spontaneity

noun
spon·​ta·​ne·​ity
ˌspänt-ən-ˈē-ət-ē,
ˌspänt-ᵊn-,
-ˈā-ət-
: the quality or state of being spontaneous

More from Merriam-Webster on spontaneity

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