willing

adjective

will·​ing ˈwi-liŋ 

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

ˈwi-liŋ-lē 

adverb

willingness noun

Synonyms of willing

• ready
• inclined
• glad

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

The level of maturity, willing to take a less illustrious step to further his career, was an insight into Suzuki’s mindset. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

The footage suggested that the company had physically attempted the maneuver and was willing to risk prototype vehicles during testing, reports Autonext. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

That demand could come from the world’s mills if downstream buyers are willing to maintain or build orders despite higher costs. — Sj Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026

Time is of the essence if Republicans want to get the name of a replacement candidate on the ballot for the November election — assuming Caruso is willing to resign as a candidate. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing willing

• God willing
• show willing
• the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

Rhymes for willing

• billing
• chilling
• drilling
• filling
• grilling
• killing
• milling
• pilling
• rilling
• schilling
• shilling
• skilling

Kids Definition

willing

adjective

will·​ing ˈwil-iŋ 

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