1
as in rather
by choice or preference
I would not willingly eat liver, but sometimes I have no choice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in voluntarily
of one's own free will
I willingly made the campaign contribution; no one pressured me into doing so
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of willingly
Some American companies, including Olaplex, have willingly removed the ingredient from their formulas.
—
Keyaira Boone, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Hopper had also purchased three videos from a website of men willingly having their genitals removed, the BBC reported.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Uhura willingly explains the changes.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
How many of us willingly fill-in surveys, even when they are described as legally required?
—Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Whether the country embraces a larger armed force willingly, or through mandate, will depend on the political and security developments ahead.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Charles willingly agreed, and a sample was taken consensually.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Because why else would a person in his right mind willingly volunteer to start football programs from scratch at four different Orlando-area high schools?
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
Once these powers are taken, they are never willingly relinquished.
—John Whitehead, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
Keyaira Boone, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Hopper had also purchased three videos from a website of men willingly having their genitals removed, the BBC reported.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Uhura willingly explains the changes.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
How many of us willingly fill-in surveys, even when they are described as legally required?
—Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Whether the country embraces a larger armed force willingly, or through mandate, will depend on the political and security developments ahead.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Charles willingly agreed, and a sample was taken consensually.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Because why else would a person in his right mind willingly volunteer to start football programs from scratch at four different Orlando-area high schools?
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
Once these powers are taken, they are never willingly relinquished.
—John Whitehead, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willingly
Adverb
-
Southerners have long been known to have the gift of gab, and that discerning quality has resulted in a rather enthusiastic take on small talk.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
-
There is a duty of care not to use data for the sake of it, but rather to ensure that analysis stands up to proper scrutiny and scientific rigour where possible.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Many of the 60 affected federal employees have elected to retire or separate voluntarily, while few if any of the remainder will likely transfer to Redstone.—
Mike Hirschberg,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
In July, members petitioned Northwestern to voluntarily recognize the union, but the university declined.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
That means chaotic mornings, trying to get everyone in your house dressed, fed, and out the door—preferably without any tantrums along the way.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The resort’s coastal location provides many perfect spots to see the sun sinking into the Pacific each evening (preferably with a cocktail or a glass of wine in hand).—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Small plates are the stars at Purslane In an interview before the opening of Purslane, Kastman shared that her dream would be to one day peer into the dining room to see tables of guests freely dipping and dining from plates that spread across the table.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
The former school employee spoke to NBC News on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about family issues.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
The Capitol grounds are spread out over 22 acres, meaning the display was not as readily apparent as if it had been posted in classrooms for children to see every day.—
Lydia Artz,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Whether vaccines remain readily available is highly disputed.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willingly. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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