willing

adjective

will·​ing ˈwi-liŋ How to pronounce willing (audio)
1
: inclined or favorably disposed in mind : ready
willing and eager to help
2
: prompt to act or respond
lending a willing hand
3
: done, borne, or accepted by choice or without reluctance
a willing sacrifice
4
: of or relating to the will or power of choosing : volitional
willingly adverb
willingness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for willing

voluntary, intentional, deliberate, willing mean done or brought about of one's own will.

voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

Examples of willing in a Sentence

He was a willing participant in the crime. She's lending a willing hand.
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.
That’s as much as Kat is willing to say on camera. Kristen Baldwin September 2, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Mary also had a good ear but was so uncensored and willing that each take was done with maximum passion. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2025 One way of making a living leads to another, until something evil with health insurance sticks, like a start-up or a finance bro who is willing to marry you. Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025 When bonds are paying more in interest, investors are less willing to pay high prices for stocks. Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for willing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of willing was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willing. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

willing

adjective
will·​ing ˈwil-iŋ How to pronounce willing (audio)
1
: feeling no objection : ready
willing to go
2
: prompt to act or respond
willing workers
3
: done, made, or given by choice
a willing sacrifice
willingly adverb
willingness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on willing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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