willing

adjective

will·​ing ˈwi-liŋ 

1

: inclined or favorably disposed in mind : ready

willing and eager to help

2

: prompt to act or respond

lending a willing hand

3

: done, borne, or accepted by choice or without reluctance

a willing sacrifice

4

: of or relating to the will or power of choosing : volitional

willingly

ˈwi-liŋ-lē 

adverb

willingness noun

Synonyms

• amenable
• disposed
• fain
• game
• glad
• inclined
• minded
• ready

Choose the Right Synonym for willing

voluntary, intentional, deliberate, willing mean done or brought about of one's own will.

voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

Examples of willing in a Sentence

He was a willing participant in the crime.

She's lending a willing hand.

Recent Examples on the Web

That should theoretically be more attractive to leagues, which are looking for investors willing to make long-term commitments. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 20 June 2024

The Heat have long been considered one of the NBA’s top developmental programs, taking second-tier prospects and turning them into NBA contributors, but at No. 43 might not be as willing, amid their tax-apron concerns, to offer a standard deal that late in the second round. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2024

The trial amounts to an answer of just how far the Holy See, where the pope rules as the supreme power, is willing to go in allowing dissent. —Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 20 June 2024

Be willing to send that first text or initiate the group get-together, because everyone could be delighted to hop on your bandwagon. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 19 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing willing

• God willing
• show willing
• the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

Kids Definition

willing

adjective

will·​ing ˈwil-iŋ 

1

: feeling no objection : ready

willing to go

2

: prompt to act or respond

willing workers

3

: done, made, or given by choice

a willing sacrifice

willingly adverb

willingness noun