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

Director Rob Savage tells EW that ‘the film gods willed it’ for Chastain to play these dual roles. — Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026

Evans willed his way to an even brawl before Dominik Mysterio interfered with a cheapshot. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

Former gang members took the stand, some against their own will, and observers waited to see if Knight, the co-founder of Death Row Records, would testify. — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

She was accused of willfully violating a Presidential Executive Order, the orders of the DHS Secretary, circumventing leadership, and frustrating the will of the American people. — Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 13 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing will

• free will
• ill will