UNWILLING Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

unwilling

adjective

ˌən-ˈwi-liŋ

Definition of unwilling

as in forced

not made or done willingly or by choice unwilling contributions from city employees who felt pressured to do so

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unwilling The first-generation Apple Watch SE is a practical entry point for someone curious about the Apple Watch but unwilling to pay flagship prices. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026 No product yet for CAMI Mark Gee, CAMI’s plant chairperson, said in a statement that GM was unwilling to make a product commitment from the beginning of the contract talks due to uncertainty around tariffs and trade. — Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026 This all comes amid RadarOnline reporting that William is still unwilling to take the steps needed for reconciliation with his brother. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 28 Aug. 2026 Southampton have made clear their valuation for the 24-year-old and Villa are presently unwilling to meet it. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwilling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwilling

Adjective

The most recent tariff was launched as part of a broader global campaign targeting trading partners Washington says have failed to restrict forced labor.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
The sparkle in her eyes had dulled and her smile seemed forced.

— Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of forced

Adjective

In 2022, the pair took a big risk for their first date and went on a spontaneous trip to the World Cup in Qatar.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2026
Thompson is particularly skilled at emotionally investing in his character’s plight even as the spontaneous production refuses to take itself too seriously.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of spontaneous

Adjective

For this reason, users are becoming more anxious about protecting their smartphones from accidental drops.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026
Brussels must recognize this strength and treat the durability of its institutional framework as a deliberate asset rather than an accidental feature.

— JONAS NAHM, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of accidental

Adjective

Human rights groups have accused Iranian authorities of denying defendants due process, relying on coerced confessions and carrying out executions after unfair trials.

— Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
Such coerced displacement did not — and could not — extinguish rights guaranteed by a still-valid agreement.

— Shaun Chapoose, Denver Post, 20 May 2026

Definition of coerced

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unwilled

unwilling

unwillingly

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“Unwilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwilling. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unwilling

adjective

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