as in enthusiasm
cheerful readiness to do something
his unhesitating willingness to take on the tough assignments has earned him the status of the president's right-hand man
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 willingness
Xi’s predecessor Jiang Zemin, who served as president between 1993 and 2003, was known for his flamboyant personality, cosmopolitan flair and willingness to show off his language skills and interact with journalists.
—
Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Even South Africa—which Mahmood Mamdani, the author of one of the books Sanneh reviews, holds up as a rare example of post-colonial success—has its flaws, as Thabo Mbeki’s and Jacob Zuma’s willingness to let corruption take root shows.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Those policies along with his enthusiasm for Citi Bike reflect the likely mayor’s views on the role of government to address safety—as well as his willingness to agree and disagree with his political opponents and back measures that are common sense, socialist or otherwise.
—Evan Friss, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
Specifically, Chiefs coaches and front-office staff members lauded Simmons for his competitiveness, willingness to learn and ability to put bad plays behind him.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
What makes Bring Her Back such a striking film among the many other horror movies tackling grief and trauma is the Philippou brothers' willingness to really go there.
—Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
The difference now, analysts said, lies in the amount of military might Trump has concentrated around Venezuela and his willingness to use deadly force.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
But more can be done, Chu said, including more money and more willingness to build.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
However, both Washington and Beijing have recently indicated a willingness to ease tensions.
—Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Even South Africa—which Mahmood Mamdani, the author of one of the books Sanneh reviews, holds up as a rare example of post-colonial success—has its flaws, as Thabo Mbeki’s and Jacob Zuma’s willingness to let corruption take root shows.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Those policies along with his enthusiasm for Citi Bike reflect the likely mayor’s views on the role of government to address safety—as well as his willingness to agree and disagree with his political opponents and back measures that are common sense, socialist or otherwise.
—Evan Friss, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
Specifically, Chiefs coaches and front-office staff members lauded Simmons for his competitiveness, willingness to learn and ability to put bad plays behind him.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
What makes Bring Her Back such a striking film among the many other horror movies tackling grief and trauma is the Philippou brothers' willingness to really go there.
—Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
The difference now, analysts said, lies in the amount of military might Trump has concentrated around Venezuela and his willingness to use deadly force.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
But more can be done, Chu said, including more money and more willingness to build.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
However, both Washington and Beijing have recently indicated a willingness to ease tensions.
—Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willingness
Noun
-
In March 2025, Vice President Vance even led a high-profile US delegation to the American military base in Greenland to advocate for annexation, despite polling data indicating that a large majority of Greenlanders have expressed no enthusiasm for an American takeover.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
-
His enthusiasm and energy can help businesses attract and retain young, diverse talent.—
Sally Susman,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
On the contrary, an entrepreneurial mindset that relies on alacrity, adaptability, curiosity and creativity, along with many other tangible qualities, can position leadership as a collaborative approach.—
Venkat Rao,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
By the end of the film, the world — from government powers to common citizens — comes together with unquestioning alacrity to help build teleportation devices in an effort to save the Earth by relocating it.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The critical test is whether the trade imbalance is reset, and that will take a lot more than a few small gestures of goodwill.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
-
And while the leaders’ public performances were meant to signal mutual goodwill between the trading partners, plenty of complications and tensions remain.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Lewis, with his convert's zeal, became a culture hero to 20th-century Christians for his many writings on faith.—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
-
That unique tone, captured with zeal by a charismatic ensemble led by Fred Ward, Kevin Bacon, and Reba McEntire, is what makes Ron Underwood's horror-comedy about giant worms terrorizing a remote desert town such a good hang.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Tilting your head toward another person indicates attentiveness and eagerness.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Expectations for the Pelicans were higher than usual this season, especially with Williamson coming into the season in phenomenal shape and sharing his eagerness to work with the new head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willingness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willingness. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share