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

Now, before another census has been conducted and just four years later, the same political machine that tried to subvert the will of the people once before is now pushing to dismantle the safeguards that make fair elections possible. — Larry Hogan, Baltimore Sun, 29 Oct. 2026

Ana, a first-generation Mexican American teenager, fights for her independence and her curves in a war of wills with her mother. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing will

• free will
• ill will