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
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 willing
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2025
Of course, that doesn’t mean that some enterprising bartenders aren’t willing to play around with the standard Rum Runner formula and find ways to modernize this old-school favorite.
—Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
While the outfielder might not be the most valuable prospect because of his age, teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies might be willing to take a chance on him in a trade deadline deal.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Furthermore, success stories will only emerge from firms willing to rethink workflows from the ground up.
—Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Adjective
After having little luck finding a traditional TV outlet willing to double ESPN/ABC’s current $90 million/year deal, F1 seems to have found deliverance by way of its theatrical partner.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2025
Of course, that doesn’t mean that some enterprising bartenders aren’t willing to play around with the standard Rum Runner formula and find ways to modernize this old-school favorite.
—Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
While the outfielder might not be the most valuable prospect because of his age, teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies might be willing to take a chance on him in a trade deadline deal.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Furthermore, success stories will only emerge from firms willing to rethink workflows from the ground up.
—Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
-
Taking a low-risk, high-reward flyer on Ayton would be ideal for a Hornets franchise that seems ready to make a genuine postseason push after consecutive years of rebuilding.—
Kambui Bomani,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Then as now, rapturous coverage spoke of visionary donors, ingenious architects, and a museum finally ready to give non-Western artistry its due.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
The swarm — hundreds of small earthquakes hitting the same area in quick succession — started around 1:30 a.m.—
Sarah Lynch Baldwin
July 9,
CBS News,
9 July 2025
-
Add the rum, lime juice and ice, give it a quick shake, then strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.—
Claudia Alarcón,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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
-
McIlroy played it safe, leaving himself a big target and a lob wedge.—
Time,
Time,
14 Apr. 2025
-
But the moderates also emphasized that their vote for the final bill would hinge on Johnson’s ability to keep his word about leaving Medicaid benefits untouched.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But the Padres seem more inclined to add to that strength than deal from it.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 July 2025
-
Pence, however, isn't inclined to throw rocks or to vilify his political opponents.—
Jim Martin,
IndyStar,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Such findings have almost always been resolved through voluntary resolutions between schools and the federal government.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
-
To that end, the feds can often compel witnesses to talk and share evidence (in contrast, the NBA relies on the voluntary cooperation of people outside the league).—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas These sheet pan chicken fajita quesadillas are a hassle-free way to make a crowd-pleasing meal without standing over the stove.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, lean into what feels good, and if that’s pleasing your boo above all else, that may tell you something.—
Quispe López,
Them,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Sharif was glad when Adjoua’s new agent put her on the hook with the New York Times behind her back.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2025
-
Just be glad the season didn't feature Cybertrucks.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share