willing 1 of 2

Definition of willingnext
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willing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of will

Synonym Chooser

How is the word willing different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of willing are deliberate, intentional, and voluntary. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

When is deliberate a more appropriate choice than willing?

The words deliberate and willing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

When is it sensible to use intentional instead of willing?

The words intentional and willing can be used in similar contexts, but intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When could voluntary be used to replace willing?

While in some cases nearly identical to willing, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

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
Adjective
But not every player available might be willing to come to Ottawa, and that’s a hurdle worth looking into with some potential trade targets. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Bosworth added that consumers are willing to pay a premium for Ray-Ban styles because of their popularity, and that the new in-house frames are meant to provide consumers with more options. Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 23 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
  • Both of these sightings were enough to convince me to add the summer-ready bottoms to my own wardrobe (seriously, the pants have been living rent-free in my mind since her initial outfit).
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • Mere minutes after Hakimi's goal, Haiti was ready for revenge, with a powerful goal by Wilson Isidor.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Either way, Aestura’s Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Cream Mist is an easy way to give quick hydration to dry, stressed skin, thanks to an ultrafine spray packed with ceramides.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
  • From California politics to safety concerns on Sacramento roads, here’s a quick digest of some of the top stories for June 23, 2026.
    Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 24 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
  • The case was initiated in August by an asylum-seeker from Guatemala who was arrested after leaving a routine immigration hearing in San Francisco and then held without access to adequate hygiene, sanitation, medical care and legal advice, according to the complaint.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • The 'new normal' The threats facing high-profile events in 2026 differ from those held in recent decades as technology has quickly evolved, experts said, leaving law enforcement agencies working to catch up.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • There’s a lot about wanting to go back in time and change other things in my life.
    Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • Lyles has not given a reason for her resignation beyond wanting to spend more time with her family.
    Mary Ramsey Updated June 22, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Americans are not inclined to think that UFOs and ETs are hostile, either.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
  • The Cavs don't appear inclined to flip Mobley for Antetokounmpo, either.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The total number of children agreeing to voluntary departure has increased sevenfold, the Vera Institute of Justice found.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 20 June 2026
  • In Europe, these voluntary reports focused on environmental and human rights issues.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • William inherited the piece after her death in 1997, eventually bequeathing it to his wife.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 17 June 2026
  • The Cubs bequeathing the dubious distinction of the sport’s longest title drought to Cleveland.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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