willing 1 of 3

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2
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willingness

2 of 3

noun

willing

3 of 3

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
Its strategy has backfired, greatly diminishing the possibility of direct negotiations in which China might be willing to offer meaningful concessions. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2025 Masha is willing to try anything in the interest of healing everyone involved, including herself. Raven Brunner, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 These dogs quickly learn commands and are always willing to put their life on the line to defend their loved ones, according to the American Kennel Club. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 To address the loss in purchasing power since 2019, the state would have to increase the basic allotment by $1,340 — and legislators are not willing to make that commitment for public schools. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
  • Full batches can be ready in as little as 10 minutes.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • The best of the brand’s releases will be ready and waiting for you upon arrival.
    William Goodman, Robb Report, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ivanka posted a video and pictures to her social media platforms on Monday following the celebration, during which Theo and Barkley had a quick game of catch while running around the area.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Keep them in your personal item bag for a quick touch-up mid-flight.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 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
Noun
  • After so much enthusiasm and excitement following his winter move from Mercedes, reality is setting in for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The company was able to lean on the enthusiasm and raw, emotional responses that moviegoers, including social media influencers, were having to the film.
    Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Or even, hypothetically, without leaving the dance floor.
    James Dinh, Billboard, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Everyone is understandably thrilled for McIlroy, and everyone has been leaving their congratulations for him throughout the evening.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Greek students were more inclined to develop mentoring relationships with professors, participate in extra-curricular activities and graduate on time compared with unaffiliated students.
    Wynn Smiley, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Where others would be more inclined to style the look with a pair of trendy Adidas Tokyos or studious loafers, Shayk took a hard left turn, wearing a pair of water shoes.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Washington Post reports that the Office of Personnel Management basically told HR officials across the government that the emails are voluntary and that the agency didn't plan to do anything with the emails that were submitted.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The 49ers’ voluntary offseason program got underway Tuesday, while the trio named above awaits contract extensions befitting their status as underpaid leaders on a franchise in flux.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That being said, the appearance of appearing to bend the knee to Trump with such alacrity has caused widespread alarm in legal circles.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Trump's tariffs are also leading to more alacrity from the central government.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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