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
Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Unfortunately, no motherboard manufacturer (so far, anyway) has been willing to put both DDR4 and DDR5 slots on the same motherboard.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025
Edwards also said she’s had trouble finding doctors willing to see Medicaid recipients.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Voters also want to see candidates willing to challenge their own party’s orthodoxies.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Adjective
Gi-hun has known Jun-hee for less than a week and is willing to risk his life to help her, but the father of her child now hesitates at the prospect.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Unfortunately, no motherboard manufacturer (so far, anyway) has been willing to put both DDR4 and DDR5 slots on the same motherboard.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025
Edwards also said she’s had trouble finding doctors willing to see Medicaid recipients.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Voters also want to see candidates willing to challenge their own party’s orthodoxies.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
-
So many of my current favorite shoe trends—including boat shoes and flat, strappy sandals—are in the mix and ready to punch up your next outfit.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
30 June 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Each report will include information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets, as well as a quick look ahead at the next three launches on the calendar.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 June 2025
-
The app features guest mode sessions that disappear after use as well as a hidden exit button for quick redirection if an abuser walks into the room.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
27 June 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
-
If possible, do this on an inclined surface such as a driveway so the water will drain away from the rug.—
Karen Grossman,
Southern Living,
24 June 2025
-
The Marlins could hold on to him until the winter, when teams like Baltimore would be more inclined to acquire him and the final two years of his contract.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 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 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share