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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of will
James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Meanwhile, his revival of the candy dish is another tribute to his grandmother, who stocked hers with chocolate and ultimately willed them to her grandson.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 17 May 2025
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The video alleges that Perez held her daughter against her will and physically assaulted her — claims that have not been verified.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for will
Verb
And Matthews looked like a leader, willing his team to a win.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Meanwhile, his revival of the candy dish is another tribute to his grandmother, who stocked hers with chocolate and ultimately willed them to her grandson.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 17 May 2025
Noun
The third tier has become notorious for holding big clubs against their will, with Sunderland, now back in the Premier League following last season’s promotion, taking four years to bounce back after getting relegated from the Championship in 2018.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The video alleges that Perez held her daughter against her will and physically assaulted her — claims that have not been verified.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for will
Recent Examples of Synonyms for will
Verb
-
Commission leader Thomas Bullitt later left Kentucky and did not return.—
Leo Bertucci,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2025
-
Exiting at nearly 3:40 a.m., Hill left the crowd inspired and electrified.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
Some Democrats on the far left of the political spectrum want the governor to go away.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
5 July 2025
-
The Tarte Brows for Days Framing Gel was made for anyone who wants definition, fuller-looking brows, and serious hold (without stickiness) in a single swipe.—
Marie Lodi,
Allure,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
At its core, Wimbledon is a British brand built on restraint: the all-white dress code, the absence of in-your-face, on-court branding, the strawberries and cream.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
Critics say Trump has only become more dangerous, pursuing radical ideas without restraint.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
But, for a minimalist, display-worthy option, this one’s a great choice.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
-
Its delightfully airy open floor plan was a bold choice when it was completed, at a time when contemporary house design favored a maze of walls and rooms.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Before his death, Rodin bequeathed all his works and possessions to France.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
-
The former estate was bequeathed to the Swiss state in 1973, according to the Geneva government.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
Then the governor, seemingly trying to please the president, vetoed laws that assist Floridians in survival mode.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
-
Two tiebreaking runs scored, a fact that pleased Altuve far more than another milestone in a career full of them.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
Distributions to heirs or charitable contributions can be made by the determination of an independent trustee.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
However, their passion for the sport and determination led to changes in the rules, allowing Muslim women to compete in full-body uniforms at both collegiate and national levels.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
The defense wants to show any act that suggests Jane had free will and could have left Combs at any moment.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
24 June 2025
-
In this century, at least to a behavioral psychologist such as the late Daniel Kahneman, even the question of free will seems unsettled.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/will. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share