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
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Meanwhile, Devers comes off looking selfish, like someone who isn’t willing to do what’s best for the team.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Lucasfilm rightly gave Tony Gilroy nearly free rein to tell the story of how Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna) went from an apolitical thief and scavenger to someone who was willing to put everything on the line in Rogue One.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 May 2025
Younger generations may also be willing to spend more on their animal companions as well.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Adjective
Venable wasn’t willing to get into a brouhaha with the Cubs over their premature claim to the pope’s fandom.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Meanwhile, Devers comes off looking selfish, like someone who isn’t willing to do what’s best for the team.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Lucasfilm rightly gave Tony Gilroy nearly free rein to tell the story of how Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna) went from an apolitical thief and scavenger to someone who was willing to put everything on the line in Rogue One.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 May 2025
Younger generations may also be willing to spend more on their animal companions as well.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
-
Be ready to discuss this factually, not emotionally, and give examples.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
This was what the 10,000 lucky souls with tickets, many of them wearing fluorescent orange to honor their red-headed hero’s mane, were ready to build with their Mexican waves and screams.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
Aleksander Barkov’s shot tipped off his stick to bring the Panthers back from two quick Toronto goals.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
10 May 2025
-
Creators should leverage strengths, choosing formats requiring minimal upkeep for quick returns.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
10 May 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
-
Or even, hypothetically, without leaving the dance floor.—
James Dinh,
Billboard,
14 Apr. 2025
-
All these states have been struck by natural disasters last year, leaving affected residents struggling to piece their lives together—let alone file their tax returns on time.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
If the economy continues on its current trajectory of moderating inflation and robust jobs growth, then the FOMC may be more inclined to cut rates.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
The club’s best players would be more inclined to stay, to sign new deals, and the attraction for possible new arrivals would be even greater.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
First, the team worked with cat owners to obtain voluntary samples.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Court and prison records show Yarbrough was convicted for voluntary manslaughter for shooting dead Thomas Karins on Dec. 31, 1981, in Gary.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 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
-
But the upcoming project isn't the only thing Raine is glad about these days.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
16 May 2025
-
Some older fans will look at me and be glad that Meredith is also coming back.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share