1. people who believe that voluntary action and free will are fundamental principles, especially in ethics or politics
Usage: philosophy; politics
2. people who support the principle that organizations or institutions should be supported by voluntary contributions rather than government funding
Usage: politics; social policy

Examples

• The voluntarists argued that moral responsibility requires genuine free choice.
• Many voluntarists oppose government funding of religious institutions.
• The debate between voluntarists and determinists has lasted for centuries.
• Voluntarists believe that charitable organizations work best without state interference.
• The philosopher was known as one of the leading voluntarists of his time.
• Voluntarists emphasize the importance of individual choice in ethical decisions.