willing

adjective

will·ing | \ ˈwi-liŋ

Definition of willing

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

Other Words from willing Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about willing

Keep scrolling for more

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

Some veterans of the democracy movement have privately told foreign contacts that Mrs Lam’s resignation as chief executive is something to fear, because only the fiercest of hardliners would be willing to take her job in the present climate. — The Economist, "Protesters expose a fractured Hong Kong, but China’s grip only tightens," 5 July 2019 Most premium buyers are willing to pay at least Rs40,000 for their devices. — Niharika Sharma, Quartz India, "India’s premium smartphone users hold on to OnePlus handsets the longest, Samsung the least," 3 July 2019 The challenge now is avoiding turnovers as the players gain more confidence and are willing to take more chances while running the playbook. — Matt Murschel, orlandosentinel.com, "2019 College Football Rankings: No. 56 BYU pushes to build on breakthrough season," 30 June 2019 Members might be willing to answer your questions or appraise the item. — Jamie Ballard, Woman's Day, "How to Hold an Online Garage Sale If You Don't Have, Well, a Garage," 29 June 2019 The law says physicians must advise patients of the possibility of reversing such abortions and how to locate a doctor willing to try to administer drugs to do so. — Deborah Yetter, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky's controversial abortion 'reversal' law takes effect Thursday," 26 June 2019 Also worth watching is who, if anyone, is willing to take on the left’s most extreme ideas. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Democratic Opportunity," 25 June 2019 But as has been the case since early in his first presidential run, Trump can count on unflinching support from a loyal base that is more than willing to take on anyone who stands in his way — whether that means Democrats or wavering Republicans. — Jonathan Allen, NBC News, "Trump's worst enemy as he kicks off his re-election bid may be himself," 18 June 2019 This person cannot help but be adventurous and even more willing to try a new experience than you. — BostonGlobe.com, "Horoscope," 15 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'willing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.