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

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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

Still, Mexico may be willing to do more to secure its porous southern border with Guatemala. — Washington Post, "Mexico plans border ‘unity’ rally, nabs 2 migrant activists," 7 June 2019 Alex was a great listener and was always willing to help out where he was needed. — courant.com, "Alexander Wilcox," 7 June 2019 But parents are not willing to complete the registration process, Tarim said, because of the uproar in the community. — al.com, "Threats, bullying delayed progress at Alabama charter school, officials say," 7 June 2019 But officials stressed that Mr. Trump would be the one to decide whether the Mexican government was willing to do enough to escape the tariffs. — Michael D. Shear, New York Times, "Mexico and the U.S. Have Made Progress Toward Averting Tariffs," 6 June 2019 Homer Glen has been in contact with private investors who are willing to contribute to the development of the sports complex. — Michelle Mullins, Daily Southtown, "Homer Glen hires consultant to study if large sports complex would be a good fit in the village," 6 June 2019 For the latter kind of feminist, Trepanier-Preston’s willing participation in the billboard, and her continued defense of it, is significant. — Dvorameyers, Longreads, "The Gymnast’s Position," 5 June 2019 The Germans found many willing servants among local fascists and nationalists whose main historical modus operandi, like that of their masters, was genocide—their descendants would be at it again a couple of generations later. — Aleksandar Hemon, The New Yorker, "My Mother and the Failed Experiment of Yugoslavia," 5 June 2019 An understated city bike with upscale parts and surprising performance Quick-handling like a road bike and confidence-inspiring like a mountain bike, the Spot Acme is a willing accomplice on any ride. — Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Commuter Bikes for Any Commute," 16 May 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.