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
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
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
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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
-
Creators should leverage strengths, choosing formats requiring minimal upkeep for quick returns.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
-
Kidney is quick to credit those who helped him along the way, especially his inner circle.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
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
Noun
-
His kitchen skills, puckish humor and enthusiasm helped earn him regular invitations to appear on TV cooking shows, including every Food Network series and a couple shows for TLC.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 May 2025
-
The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,104 points, or 2.6%, staying near its highs for most of the session with buying enthusiasm remaining strong.—
Brian Evans,Yun Li,Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
McIlroy played it safe, leaving himself a big target and a lob wedge.—
Time,
Time,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Or even, hypothetically, without leaving the dance floor.—
James Dinh,
Billboard,
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
-
As hurricane season is about to begin, the NWS is now offering voluntary reassignment opportunities to the remaining employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to fill 155 positions in offices around the country.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
The legislation that cleared the House and Senate in a single afternoon is the product of intense negotiations resolved with unusual alacrity by traditional antagonists at the state Capitol on business and insurance issues: unions vs. business, and trial lawyers vs. insurers.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
20 May 2025
-
Peugeot dove into SUVs and EVs with more alacrity and commitment than other mainstream European brands.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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