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

At first, players lived in a hotel and played anyone willing – mostly Christian and for-profit colleges. —Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

That lack of data leaves everyone, except those willing to risk their own health on either their own hunches or those of wellness influencers, worse off. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024

People are willing to switch from favorite stores and brands, trading down to lower-cost alternatives or visiting stores with better weekly deals. —Michael Della Penna, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

What makes the Blue Jays think Guerrero would be willing to stay in Toronto after this season? —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 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