willing

adjective

will·​ing ˈwi-liŋ How to pronounce willing (audio)
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 adverb
willingness noun
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
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.
But when hard pressed, few planetary scientists are willing to go to the mat for any of them. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Unlike the Leafs, the Oilers were willing to pay a first-round pick for Henrique last spring and were rewarded with a trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 The big groups are now seeking them out as partners while collectors seem willing to pay any amount of money, and wait as long as eight years, for their timepieces. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024 Develop New Skills The workplace is constantly evolving, and staying competitive means being willing to learn. Stephen Nalley, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for willing 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of willing was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near willing

Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willing. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

willing

adjective
will·​ing ˈwil-iŋ How to pronounce willing (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on willing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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