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
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
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
Kayti Burt, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
People in amazing costumes are everywhere, from related characters who coordinate with each other and gather outside for large group photographs, to individuals and small groups who are quite willing to stop and pose for photos.
—Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
The majority of Congressional members are looking to maintain tax cuts enacted nearly a decade ago and are willing to cut other government programs to achieve that renewal.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Construction efforts are similarly hindered by a lack of builders willing to work in Tribal areas and the need to develop essential infrastructure such as roads, water systems, and electricity.
—Oweesta, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Adjective
How much is Jae-yeong willing to kill his father for?
—Kayti Burt, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
People in amazing costumes are everywhere, from related characters who coordinate with each other and gather outside for large group photographs, to individuals and small groups who are quite willing to stop and pose for photos.
—Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
The majority of Congressional members are looking to maintain tax cuts enacted nearly a decade ago and are willing to cut other government programs to achieve that renewal.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Construction efforts are similarly hindered by a lack of builders willing to work in Tribal areas and the need to develop essential infrastructure such as roads, water systems, and electricity.
—Oweesta, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
-
But the Gamecocks machine is ready to backfill, with MiLaysia Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson and Joyce Edwards waiting in the wings.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Currently, once the company has an embryo ready to grow, researchers insert it in a host animal, but such surrogates are limited in number and expensive to work with, and come with many potential health complications.—
D. T. Max,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
App Store updates Those looking for apps in the App Store can see summaries from user reviews to get a quick look at what others are saying, Apple said.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Here’s a quick roundup of the latest news from leading denim brands.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
4 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
Verb
-
Jenner also attended the afterparty of the Los Angeles A Complete Unknown premiere in December, mingling with her beau’s co-stars and leaving the function with him hand-in-hand.—
Luke Chinman,
People.com,
6 Jan. 2025
-
After leaving office, Loeffler sold her 50% stake in the basketball team to an investor group that included one of the former players who had spoken out most prominently.—
Dan Alexander,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Martin: So at the moment, the defense secretary Hegseth doesn't seem inclined to resign and the president doesn't seem inclined to ask him to or require him to.—
Obed Manuel,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2025
-
In winter or early spring when bay waters are still cold, redfish may be less inclined to pounce on larger meals or chase fast-moving food.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
What's Being Recalled And Why The voluntary recall was initiated by Cabot’s parent company, Agri-Mark, Inc., on March 26, 2025, after internal testing detected elevated levels of coliform bacteria.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
After an open letter announced the move on March 25, the card count occurred on Wednesday, followed by voluntary recognition from management the same day.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Turn French toast into a crowd-pleasing casserole in this easy to make casserole that even the kids can help prepare.—
Krissy Tiglias,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Transform olive oil and herbs into a company-pleasing bread dipping oil in five minutes or less.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The charms are at a significantly lower price point, and Macaulay is glad to be opening the brand up to a broader base.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Looking ahead, the pair is glad to be staying in Florida with their husbands and their kids, Hoedt's 7-week-old Margaret and Mellquist's 19-month-old Willow.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share