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

• amenable
• disposed
• fain
• game
• glad
• inclined
• minded
• ready

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

These efforts have paid off, with employees now more engaged, collaborative, and willing to take risks and go the extra mile. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 1 Oct. 2024

The Ohio Republican has honed an image that the MAGA base loves — furious and willing to fight about it. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024

But no other American has used politics to create as much personal wealth as the 45th president, who left office with a new asset—throngs of people willing to buy almost anything from him, at virtually any price. —Forbes Press Releases, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

For those willing to embrace this change, the future looks promising, with new opportunities for innovation and growth in a rapidly expanding market. —Joshua Adragna, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2024

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

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