WILLED Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

willed 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwild

Definition of willed

as in conscious

made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing a hard-nosed industrialist with a willed indifference to public opinion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

willed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of will

as in bequeathed

to give by means of a will willed their house to their adult children

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in pleased

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

To make your bedroom a little more environmentally conscious, consider starting with the Birch Natural Mattress, a medium-firm hybrid model that’s free of polyurethane foam, fiberglass, formaldehyde, and pesticides.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
Which brings us to the sustainability-conscious shopper browsing Shein at midnight.

— Kate O'Keeffe, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of conscious

Verb

The iconic diner was owned for many years by former Mayor Richard Riordan, who died in 2023 and bequeathed the property to a trust.

— Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
But her tradition does appear to have bequeathed her a powerful suspicion of the will.

— James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of bequeathed

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

Definition of pleased

Adjective

Now, four years later, their deviations are the most deliberate and transcendent parts of their music.

— Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026
Slow beauty is the trend reshaping how younger shoppers buy skincare in 2026, swapping the 10-step routine for fewer products and more deliberate rituals.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of deliberate

Verb

Brass was fired from the project and nixed as an editor over creative clashes with Guccione, who wanted to amp up the raunchy scenes, Penthouse-style.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Law is now one of dozens of democracy activists overseas wanted by Hong Kong’s national security police, and who have had a cash bounty put on them.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of wanted

Adjective

The judge dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice after Parton's estate, led by her longtime manager Danny Nozell, requested its voluntary dismissal last week, according to court records seen by ABC News.

— Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
An employee might also forfeit or delay their unemployment benefits upon signing a buyout agreement because it could be considered a voluntary exit .

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of voluntary

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

Definition of wished

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

Definition of intended

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will

willed

willful

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Style

“Willed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willed. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of willed

adjective

verb

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