Definition of willednext

willed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of will

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 willed
Adjective
Some of Thomas’s critique appeared to be aimed at weak-willed conservatives, including his fellow-Justices, for being, as Thomas perceives it, too spineless to stand up for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026 Meanwhile, gracious but iron-willed family matriarch Claudine works tirelessly behind the scenes to hush up family scandals. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
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 See All Example Sentences for willed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willed
Adjective
  • Now, Tan-Gillespie is tasked with getting KFC’s American business back on track as the brand faces growing competition paired with more health-conscious and cash-strapped consumers.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • And while Kim tends to gravitate toward body-conscious silhouettes and plenty of skin, Kris has made a signature of sharp tailoring, statement accessories, and an unapologetic dose of flash.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But her tradition does appear to have bequeathed her a powerful suspicion of the will.
    — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Charles Hall later bequeathed the property to his wife and children when his health declined, family said.
    — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • After a multi-year hiatus from the show, Burgess pleased the judges with her first routine with Cameron.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The manner in which Marcos Llorente’s opener for Atletico transpired would not have pleased Andoni Iraola, even if the Spaniard needs time for his team to understand his out-of-possession demands.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This includes deliberate misuse by bad actors for cyberattacks, and also situations where humans lose control of advanced AI systems.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The reality is that this effect was a deliberate design choice to soften the edges of the villa and smooth out its different volumes.
    — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • When Roddenberry wanted a character who might draw younger viewers to Star Trek, the physical resemblance to the Monkees singer settled the matter.
    — Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Physicists have long wanted to peer inside these cores to see how trapped particles behave.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Those voluntary licenses cover a specific set of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Even a mandate as simple as removing racist or demeaning school mascots has depended more on districts’ voluntary compliance than force.
    — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Some wished Huerta had spoken out earlier, at least within the insular union, to prevent others from being victimized.
    — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • He’s homed in on Risch’s age in campaign ads and put up billboards that wished his opponent a happy 83rd birthday — and urged him to retire.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • North Korea’s Missile Administration said its cluster warheads fall into four categories, depending on their intended purpose.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Any experimentation should check intended uses and ingredient restrictions first, particularly before applying lip products near the eyes.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Willed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willed. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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