1
2
as in to want
to see fit
do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
she kept her face still by sheer force of will
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in choice
the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions
you cannot force me to do anything against my own will
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of will
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 2 July 2025
And then there’s Diego Pavia, the pint-sized rock of energy who willed Vanderbilt to its first bowl win (and first winning season) since 2013.
—Matt Hayes, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025
The city was digesting shocking reports from Boston – which was being held by the British forces attempting to tamp down the American rebellion by force, largely against the will of its citizens.
—Stephen Kochersperger, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for will
Verb
Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk, who famously willed his Game 6-winning home run to stay fair, through sheer force of wave, inside the left field foul pole that now bears his name, waved from the Legends Suite.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 2 July 2025
And then there’s Diego Pavia, the pint-sized rock of energy who willed Vanderbilt to its first bowl win (and first winning season) since 2013.
—Matt Hayes, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
Noun
While my wife had designated her niece as the recipient of the bracelet and earrings I, still having complete control of the will, would like to give those items to our daughter.
—Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025
The city was digesting shocking reports from Boston – which was being held by the British forces attempting to tamp down the American rebellion by force, largely against the will of its citizens.
—Stephen Kochersperger, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for will
Recent Examples of Synonyms for will
Verb
-
Where are opportunities left untouched simply due to a lack of capacity?—
Scott Brighton,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Enzo Maresca’s ominous words in his press conference at Cobham on Thursday left little room to avoid the conclusion that Colwill had suffered a significant injury.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Endgame: Walled Gardens With Super Agents No retailer or marketplace wants its data powering a rival’s AI agent.—
Jason Goldberg,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
-
Before heading back to the beach house, the pair stops to grab a snack – only Belly wants to stop at a peach stand, and Conrad is allergic to the fruit.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement My biggest takeaway from this formula and its ubiquity is that users can develop healthier social media feeds, but doing so takes restraint and intentionality.—
Noah Giansiracusa,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
-
While candidates largely avoided major mishaps, the tech was used with little guidance or restraint.—
Makena Kelly,
Wired News,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Patton believes that people sometimes make choices out of a fear of being alone instead of waiting for the person they are meant to be with.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
There was a fire lit in the nursery, and the table was laid with three choices of cake.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Here’s what to know. History of the Selby Gardens Marie Selby, a passionate gardener and Sarasota resident, bequeathed her 15-acre bayfront home and estate to the general public in 1973, and the botanical gardens were born.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
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Songs crafted by artists who emerged in this era arrived like troubadours, bequeathing a treasure trove for troubled times.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Top with marinara and cheese to please diners of all ages.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Nothing would please me more than getting to see you and catching up in the near future.—
John Malone,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The goal for the studio is to offer storytelling that will highlight the determination, triumphs and heartbreaks of sports.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
7 Aug. 2025
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This 2009 legal determination is based on extensive scientific evidence that says heat-trapping emissions from activities like the burning of fossil fuels are driving climate change and posing a threat to human health and welfare.—
Carlos Martinez,
Scientific American,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Slurp returned to the shed of his own free will after eating the brains of the driver’s ed instructor (RIP).—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
6 Aug. 2025
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Also free will be the adjacent 3,400-square-foot Splash Harbor area for kids with interactive water fountains and its own shaded bar for parents to keep an eye on their children.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/will. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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