1
2
as in to want
to see fit
do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of will
Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 20 Feb. 2025
McDavid wills Oilers back Any chance the Oilers have to win this series falls on the shoulders of McDavid and Draisaitl.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
India Espy-Jones, Essence, 14 May 2025
This whole situation underscores the lack of genuine political will to tackle the structural and deep-seated inequality that persists in Cape Town.
—Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for will
Verb
The 1980 team, a group of collegians coached hard by the late Herb Brooks, willed their way against grown Soviet players.
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 20 Feb. 2025
McDavid wills Oilers back Any chance the Oilers have to win this series falls on the shoulders of McDavid and Draisaitl.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
At her father’s will, Thomson graduated with a degree in Management Finance, landed a corporate accounting job, and did makeup on the side.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 14 May 2025
This whole situation underscores the lack of genuine political will to tackle the structural and deep-seated inequality that persists in Cape Town.
—Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for will
Recent Examples of Synonyms for will
Verb
-
What's left is rosemary, a spice that many, many people already have in their kitchen, or maybe even growing like an angry weed in their backyard.—
Matthew Korfhage,
Wired News,
18 May 2025
-
What is left of the two helicopters — which were revealed to be Robinson R-44 models — have been sent to the city of Turku for investigation, according to the Estonia outlet.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
18 May 2025
Verb
-
The organization supports progressive candidates who want to run for local office.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
But what Ellie really wants is adult responsibilities.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Director Maja Novakovic strikes a balance between restraint and gentle nudging, allowing the story to breathe while occasionally adding subtle touches to coax it forward.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
-
Drug companies in the U.S. face few restraints on what to charge for their products.—
David Armstrong,
ProPublica,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
Impossible decision Nicole and Kyle then had a choice to make.—
Karen Weintraub,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
The process was grueling, but in her mind, there was no other choice.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
In 1937, the major American collector Andrew Mellon bequeathed two Vermeers to the National Gallery, which, despite the promises of Wilhelm von Bode of Berlin’s Kaiser-Friedrich-Museum and Wilhelm Martin of the Mauritshuis—titans of the European museum world—also turned out to be imitations.—
Kristian Vistrup Madsen,
Harper's Magazine,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Walter bequeaths Iris his Great Dane, a massive bummer of a canine who keeps sinking deeper into despair over the loss of his companion.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
It's even claimed to reduce the creation of contrails, which will please some conspiracy theorists.—
David Szondy
May 16,
New Atlas,
16 May 2025
-
Do the citizens of the United States really want food, health care, housing, clean air and water, cancer research and much more taken away from us in order to have a military parade to please the president?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
Colorado Parks and Wildlife did not indicate in its news release what may have caused the animal’s death but said a final determination will be made after a necropsy.—
Max Levy,
Denver Post,
16 May 2025
-
This goal for his country against Spain, for example, again highlights his determination to get on the ball, his passing and his willingness to drive forward.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
By the end, the film leaves a lasting impression — not only as a commentary on reproductive rights but as a human story of autonomy and compassion, and the lengths some women must go to preserve their own free will.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
-
The viewer doesn’t hold all that much sway over Stefan’s outcomes, but the illusory nature of free will is part of the point Bandersnatch is trying to make.—
Charles Bramesco,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/will. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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