1
as in ready
having a desire or inclination (as for a specified course of action)
I'm a little confused, but perfectly willing to do as you ask
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quick
having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation
she's always lent a willing hand whenever a neighbor needed help or a friend a favor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in volunteer
done, made, or given with one's own free will
a willing sacrifice of her limited free time for a good cause
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in leaving
to give by means of a will
willed their house to their adult children
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in wanting
to see fit
do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Collectors are still willing to compete fiercely for exceptional Old Masters.
—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
1 July 2026
Galip Dalay,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
From his first moments onscreen in a performance of Duracell Bunny physicality and motormouth pushiness, Chalamet conveys the sense of a shameless young man willing himself toward greatness with a combination of chutzpah, amorality and unshakeable self-belief.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Adjective
Now some are calling for the government to buy farmland from willing growers and leave that land dry.
—
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Collectors are still willing to compete fiercely for exceptional Old Masters.
—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
1 July 2026
Verb
Since then, Qatar has come to play the most prominent role in mediating between warring countries and factions within countries, willing itself into a mediation powerhouse spanning the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
—
Galip Dalay,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
From his first moments onscreen in a performance of Duracell Bunny physicality and motormouth pushiness, Chalamet conveys the sense of a shameless young man willing himself toward greatness with a combination of chutzpah, amorality and unshakeable self-belief.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
-
The clambake is ready when the clams have fully opened, the potatoes are tender, the broth is bubbling and the sausage is heated through.
-
Leadership teams that are ready for change treat ambiguity as part of the job.
Adjective
-
Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley There may still be questions about whether the romance between Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley was genuine, and their secret, quick-turn overseas wedding didn't help matters.
-
But upon closer inspection Mbiya appears significantly leaner and quicker.
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.
-
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.
Verb
-
Johnston, Cobbins leaving Johnston’s departure comes just three years after becoming the long-term replacement for former County Administrator Doug Bach, who left the government under an $800,000 separation agreement.
-
Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
Verb
-
Despite his recent struggles, Soriano has been the subject of trade deadline speculation, with the Angels reportedly not wanting to move him and other young players.
-
Although some might interpret this decision as Swift wanting to make her wedding a public spectacle after all, insiders insist that’s not the case.
Adjective
-
Americans are not inclined to think that UFOs and ETs are hostile, either.
-
The Cavs don't appear inclined to flip Mobley for Antetokounmpo, either.
Adjective
-
The reason is that the administration has shrunk the requirements for reports of immunization from states, changing the reports from mandated to voluntary.
-
Without control of committee gavels — and the subpoena power that comes with them — legislative inquiries from the Hill minority generally rely on the voluntary compliance from their targets to produce documents or testimony.
Verb
-
William inherited the piece after her death in 1997, eventually bequeathing it to his wife.
-
The Cubs bequeathing the dubious distinction of the sport’s longest title drought to Cleveland.
Cite this Entry
“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
