willing

adjective will·ing \ ˈwi-liŋ \

|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: willing in a Sentence

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

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willingly

play \ˈwi-liŋ-lē\ adverb

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willingness

noun

See willing defined for English-language learners

See willing defined for kids

Examples of willing in a Sentence

He was a willing participant in the crime.
She's lending a willing hand.

Recent Examples of willing from the Web

In fact, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee asked Coats this week to assess whether North Korea is really willing to significantly reduce its stockpile.

— maureen groppe, Indianapolis Star, "Unlike Trump, Dan Coats doesn't shy from calling out Russia," 13 July 2018
Although many of the nominees were returning favorites, the Academy was far more willing to honor newer, diverse and quirky entrants into the TV landscape.

— kelly lawler, USA TODAY, "What the 2018 Emmy nominations got right and wrong," 12 July 2018
The Spanish political left, however, has been more willing to confront the legacy of the country’s fascist past, depending on the politics of the moment.

— joseph zeballos-roig, The New Republic, "How to Dig Up a Dictator," 11 July 2018
That would send the alliance into a tailspin, damaging security by opening the question of whether NATO's most powerful member is still willing to defend its allies if one were attacked.

— michael birnbaum, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump says Germany 'is captive to Russia' in fiery opening salvo against NATO," 11 July 2018
If an applicant fits with a company’s culture and is highly motivated to learn, businesses are now more willing to train new hires to help them gain needed skills.

— christopher rugaber, BostonGlobe.com, "American workers’ willingness to quit — often for better pay — hits a 17-year high," 10 July 2018
Kennedy’s replacement also could be more willing to allow states to carry out executions and could support undoing earlier court holdings in the areas of racial discrimination in housing and the workplace.

— zeke miller, The Seattle Times, "Trump picks Kavanaugh for court, setting up fight with Dems," 10 July 2018
Kennedy's replacement also could be more willing to allow states to carry out executions and could support undoing earlier court holdings in the areas of racial discrimination in housing and the workplace.

— catherine lucey, zeke miller and mark sherman, Houston Chronicle, "Trump picks Kavanaugh for court, setting up fight with Dems," 10 July 2018
Appropriate for a new Moz, Maltese is more than willing to speak up about toxic masculinity and the stigma of mental health.

— lizzie manno, Billboard, "Matt Maltese: The Apocalyptic British Singer-Songwriter That America Desperately Needs," 10 July 2018

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.

First Known Use of willing

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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willing Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

WILLING Defined for English Language Learners

willing

adjective

Definition of willing for English Language Learners

: not refusing to do something
: quick to act or respond : doing something or ready to do something without being persuaded
: done, made, or given by choice