Synonyms of will

will 1 of 2

verb

ˈwil 

1

as in to leave

to give by means of a will

willed their house to their adult children

Synonyms & Similar Words

• leave
• bequeath
• devise
• pass (down)
• deed
• hand on
• hand down

2

as in to want

to see fit

do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

• want
• please
• wish
• choose
• like
• desire
• long (for)
• crave
• covet
• die (for)
• pine (for)
• decide
• fancy
• hunger (for)
• resolve
• yearn (for)
• determine
• sigh (for)
• lust (for or after)
• itch (for)
• pant (after)
• thirst (for)
• ache (for)
• repine (for)
• hanker (for)

will

2 of 2

noun

ˈwil 

1

as in restraint

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions

she kept her face still by sheer force of will

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• determination
• nerve
• willpower
• confidence
• self-discipline
• temperance
• composure
• temperateness
• self-control
• assurance
• discipline
• self-government
• control
• self-restraint
• self-mastery
• continence
• moderation
• self-command
• self-possession
• self-containment
• mastery
• command
• poise
• discretion
• avoidance
• forbearance
• equanimity
• moderateness
• self-confidence
• abnegation
• soberness
• abstention
• self-denial
• abstinence
• self-abnegation
• sobriety
• coolness
• aplomb
• eschewal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gratification
• indulgence
• failing
• fault
• intemperance
• vice
• weakness
• shortcoming
• overindulgence
• excessiveness
• frailty
• feebleness
• demerit
• self-indulgence
• foible
• immoderacy
• intemperateness
• indiscipline
• unrestraint
• unreserve
• unconstraint
• unreservedness

2

as in choice

the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions

you cannot force me to do anything against my own will

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choice
• free will
• option
• volition
• autonomy
• accord
• preference
• tendency
• self-determination
• devices
• election
• selection
• inclination
• propensity
• pick
• predisposition
• bent
• predilection
• alternative
• penchant
• discretion
• proclivity
• disposition
• way
• partiality
• leaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• pressure
• constraint
• coercion
• compulsion
• duress

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of will

Verb

Given all that, Skubal did his best to ignore the symptoms, to will them away. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026

With fervent editing, careful scene geography, and assured direction, the walk before the run can be tense enough to send viewers crawling out of their seats, willing the fugitive onscreen to get a move on already. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026

Noun

Hassabis wasn’t pushed out against his will, said both people. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026

In a four-page court filing, Lyle Landers claimed that his ex-wife, TikTok influencer Sara Gilson, died without a will. — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing will

• free will
• ill will