1
as in ready
having a desire or inclination (as for a specified course of action)
I'm a little confused, but perfectly willing to do as you ask
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quick
having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation
she's always lent a willing hand whenever a neighbor needed help or a friend a favor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in volunteer
done, made, or given with one's own free will
a willing sacrifice of her limited free time for a good cause
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in leaving
to give by means of a will
willed their house to their adult children
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in wanting
to see fit
do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of willing
Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 2 June 2026
How much will the next Leafs coach be willing to tolerate McKenna’s growth in these areas?
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Galip Dalay, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
From his first moments onscreen in a performance of Duracell Bunny physicality and motormouth pushiness, Chalamet conveys the sense of a shameless young man willing himself toward greatness with a combination of chutzpah, amorality and unshakeable self-belief.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Adjective
The lingerie retailer raised its full-year guidance on Tuesday after blowing past earnings estimates in its fiscal first quarter, citing lower tariff costs and more customers willing to spend full price on its products.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 2 June 2026
How much will the next Leafs coach be willing to tolerate McKenna’s growth in these areas?
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Verb
Since then, Qatar has come to play the most prominent role in mediating between warring countries and factions within countries, willing itself into a mediation powerhouse spanning the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
—Galip Dalay, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
From his first moments onscreen in a performance of Duracell Bunny physicality and motormouth pushiness, Chalamet conveys the sense of a shameless young man willing himself toward greatness with a combination of chutzpah, amorality and unshakeable self-belief.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
-
Those at the bar seemed interested in their drinks, while those at the tables seemed more keen on each other—or when their table at Daroco would be ready.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
And as the summer heats up, boat traffic increases and the Coast Guard said its always ready.—
Kerri Corrado,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
The area The property sits in the Anambas archipelago, an 80-minute flight from Batam, an Indonesian island that’s a quick boat ride from Singapore.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
In Campbell’s experience, the learning curve for padel is quicker than pickleball.—
Mindy Sink,
Denver Post,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Within the past couple of years, the group has become a part of Arrowhead Kingdom, an all-volunteer national network of Chiefs fan groups.—
Hannah Kirby,
Journal Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2023
-
That’s noteworthy for a show based at a high-school auditorium in Litchfield and run by a staff that is almost entirely volunteer, including the show’s star and its producer.—
Susan Dunne,
Hartford Courant,
18 Aug. 2022
Verb
-
My father was running the skid steer outside, clearing the snow, leaving dirty white mounds to either side of the driveway that led from the house out to the range road.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Consequently, rising inflation has steadily eroded real purchasing power, leaving 59 percent of Americans without sufficient savings to absorb a minor financial shock, such as a $1,000 emergency.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The past few seasons have all been about Amanda wanting to open up and find her own voice, but here her voice is once again getting lost in the roar of someone else.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
-
Throughout the season, Idalski talked a lot about wanting Vancouver to be difficult to play against with a strong on-ice identity, much like his college team.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Democratic voters are inclined to be skeptical, and to believe rumors that the group is funded by the same Israeli government that wanted the US to bomb Iran.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
-
Perhaps there's a fussy Phillies fan in footy pajamas who balks at the twice-daily ritual but might be more inclined to brush because Harper does it, as well.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Elsewhere in the region, local governments say enforcement has so far focused on education and voluntary compliance than punishment.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
-
Russell pleaded guilty in 2022 to a state charge of voluntary manslaughter.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
The Cubs bequeathing the dubious distinction of the sport’s longest title drought to Cleveland.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
Effectively, Newsom’s slow roll protects him from taking any meaningful actions, thus bequeathing reparations to his successor, like his many other unresolved California issues.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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