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willing

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verb

present participle of will

Synonym Chooser

How is the word willing different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of willing are deliberate, intentional, and voluntary. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

When is deliberate a more appropriate choice than willing?

The words deliberate and willing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

When is it sensible to use intentional instead of willing?

The words intentional and willing can be used in similar contexts, but intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When could voluntary be used to replace willing?

While in some cases nearly identical to willing, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of willing
Adjective
Between the two of them, Basel is the more reticent, the one less willing to dream out loud. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025 While willing to make unimaginable sacrifices to try to awaken the conscience of white Americans to the injustice of lynching, Wells also took great care to protect her Black community, knowing full well that her efforts to confront racial injustice would incite violence against them. Amy Gais / Made By History, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025 Lula was a union leader, and is willing to bargain, willing to settle. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Feb. 2025 Not being willing to put a little more of that money towards the Cubs shows that the family only cares about maximize their profits. Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
  • Seedlings purchased from a garden center should be ready to put in the garden immediately.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
  • And one that is speeding toward Kansas City ready to make an impact.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Snagging a deal on Woot is about being quick, as these deals don't stick for long, disappearing as soon as stock runs out (which is usually pretty quick).
    Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Reddit Reacts The Reddit community was quick to weigh in on the discovery, with many users expressing excitement over the historical significance of the coin.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Within the past couple of years, the group has become a part of Arrowhead Kingdom, an all-volunteer national network of Chiefs fan groups.
    Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2023
  • That’s noteworthy for a show based at a high-school auditorium in Litchfield and run by a staff that is almost entirely volunteer, including the show’s star and its producer.
    Susan Dunne, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2022
Verb
  • Jenner also attended the afterparty of the Los Angeles A Complete Unknown premiere in December, mingling with her beau’s co-stars and leaving the function with him hand-in-hand.
    Luke Chinman, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
  • After leaving office, Loeffler sold her 50% stake in the basketball team to an investor group that included one of the former players who had spoken out most prominently.
    Dan Alexander, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These findings challenge the stereotype that younger generations are more inclined to prioritize work-life balance.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike larger restaurant chains like Denny's and Waffle House, which have adjusted to the surging costs by adding an egg surcharge to their menu item prices, smaller businesses are less inclined to follow suit, according to Dartmouth College economics professor Bruce Sacerdote.
    Michael Pappano, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some bar owners had expressed concerns the program would be mandatory or would be used as a cudgel by the city to force changes to their businesses, but Alldredge stressed the program would be voluntary and would largely consist of things bars and restaurants already do.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Participation is voluntary, and patients can opt out at any time.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Turn French toast into a crowd-pleasing casserole in this easy to make casserole that even the kids can help prepare.
    Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Transform olive oil and herbs into a company-pleasing bread dipping oil in five minutes or less.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • What seems certain is that both the club and player will be glad when the summer transfer window opens and AC Milan can part ways with Theo Hernández with the two parties clearly needing a fresh start.
    Adam Digby, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Marian coach Dan Murray knows his team survived an off shooting night but was glad the Spartans could still win against the Celtics.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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