as in intentionally
with full awareness of what one is doing
willfully chose to risk pneumonia by jumping into a freezing lake on a dare
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Recent Examples of willfully
The provision allows for damages of up to $500 per violation, or $1,500 per violation if a court finds that a company acted willfully or knowingly.
—
Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Joshua Booth, 51, was charged with one count of willfully or maliciously torture, maim or mutilate an animal kept for companionship or pleasure causing death, a category B felony under Nevada law, according to the Clark County District Attorney's Office.
—James Powel, USA Today, 15 May 2026
The jury was deadlocked on the special finding that the crime was done willfully, deliberately and with premeditation, the district attorney's office confirmed to PEOPLE.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
At first, this may sound like a willfully perverse way to market a useless product.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 11 May 2026
The jury ruled that Meta willfully violated New Mexico’s unfair practices act and owed $375 million.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 May 2026
Some people are happy to roam the world as old tourists, pure consumers who remain willfully blind to the impacts of their wanderings.
—CBS News, 1 May 2026
The judge also found that Madigan lied repeatedly and willfully when testifying in his own defense during the trial.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Tammy Machado is suspected of mortgage fraud and two counts of willfully making a false return under penalty of perjury.
—Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Joshua Booth, 51, was charged with one count of willfully or maliciously torture, maim or mutilate an animal kept for companionship or pleasure causing death, a category B felony under Nevada law, according to the Clark County District Attorney's Office.
—James Powel, USA Today, 15 May 2026
The jury was deadlocked on the special finding that the crime was done willfully, deliberately and with premeditation, the district attorney's office confirmed to PEOPLE.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
At first, this may sound like a willfully perverse way to market a useless product.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 11 May 2026
The jury ruled that Meta willfully violated New Mexico’s unfair practices act and owed $375 million.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 May 2026
Some people are happy to roam the world as old tourists, pure consumers who remain willfully blind to the impacts of their wanderings.
—CBS News, 1 May 2026
The judge also found that Madigan lied repeatedly and willfully when testifying in his own defense during the trial.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Tammy Machado is suspected of mortgage fraud and two counts of willfully making a false return under penalty of perjury.
—Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willfully
Adverb
-
After Trout was intentionally walked to load the bases, Grissom hit a sacrifice fly.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
28 May 2026
-
Bodine believes organizations need to think more intentionally about how AI systems reflect the promises companies make to customers and employees alike.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Adverb
-
The exterior design is fresh, deliberately avoiding any boring minivan traits.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
The list was reportedly kept deliberately small amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Willfully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willfully. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
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