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
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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
Kim Tong-Hyung, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
If her body isn’t always willing, her mind and her heart are still keen on the sport, so Press makes her most valuable contributions now in the quiet of the locker room.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
This state is filled with alternative perspectives, people who truly care about their communities, not the next election, and are willing to serve a term or two on the school board, county council, as a county executive, state representative and yes, Congress.
—Michelle Jefferson, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025
However, none were willing to comment publicly, reflecting the reluctance of local politicians to openly criticize controversial decisions in a city governed by a strong-mayor system.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Adjective
Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent a congratulatory message to Lee, saying that Beijing is willing to work with Seoul to advance their cooperative partnership for the benefit of the countries’ peoples, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
—Kim Tong-Hyung, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
If her body isn’t always willing, her mind and her heart are still keen on the sport, so Press makes her most valuable contributions now in the quiet of the locker room.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
This state is filled with alternative perspectives, people who truly care about their communities, not the next election, and are willing to serve a term or two on the school board, county council, as a county executive, state representative and yes, Congress.
—Michelle Jefferson, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025
However, none were willing to comment publicly, reflecting the reluctance of local politicians to openly criticize controversial decisions in a city governed by a strong-mayor system.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
-
However, Reuters reports that Egyptian transport minister Kamel al-Wazir recently told a conference in Egypt that the planning stage for a bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia has been completed, and that his country is ready to implement it at any time.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
6 June 2025
-
The powers that be aren’t ready to reveal that just yet.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
No matter how small your business, here is a quick blueprint for strengthening your defense against common cyber threats: Start with the basics.—
Harry Kazakian,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
The original rat killer Published April 25, 2007 With one quick flick of his wrist, Scott Mellanby felled a rodent and became part of South Florida sports lore.—
Jeff Kleinman,
Miami Herald,
3 June 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
-
This contrasts with an apparent upcoming boom in Europe, although this is based on government coercion rather than enthusiasm for EVs.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
The club is led by driver and CEO Tom Slingsby, the Australian 2012 Olympic gold medalist, who shared his enthusiasm for adding Jackman and Reynolds to the crew.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
People.com,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
Or even, hypothetically, without leaving the dance floor.—
James Dinh,
Billboard,
14 Apr. 2025
-
McIlroy wasted a superb opening round with two careless double bogeys leaving him seven shots behind.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The reason is that employees who are inclined to violate a nondisclosure agreement are also inclined to violate a noncompete.—
Sam Peak,
Sun Sentinel,
1 June 2025
-
In her view, Gen Z grads are less inclined to assertively chase opportunities — including taking jobs that aren’t necessarily their dream roles.—
Sophie Caldwell,
CNBC,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
McMahon announced roughly half the agency's workforce would be eliminated through a combination of mass layoffs and voluntary buyouts.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
-
Jennifer Kellogg, who stayed with the couple the week of the killing, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 17 years in prison, according to Antelope Valley Press.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
7 June 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
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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 15 Jun. 2025.
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