WILLING Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'willing' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of willing are deliberate , intentional , and voluntary . While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another. // willing obedience

Q: When is 'deliberate' a more appropriate choice than 'willing'?

The words deliberate and willing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences. // deliberate acts of sabotage

Q: When is it sensible to use 'intentional' instead of 'willing'?

The words intentional and willing can be used in similar contexts, but intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved. // the intentional concealment of vital information

Q: When could 'voluntary' be used to replace 'willing'?

While in some cases nearly identical to willing , voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion. // a voluntary confession

willing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwi-liŋ

Definition of willing next

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

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

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

willing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of will

as in leaving

to give by means of a will willed their house to their adult children

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in wanting

to see fit do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word willing different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of willing are deliberate, intentional, and voluntary. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

When is deliberate a more appropriate choice than willing?

The words deliberate and willing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

When is it sensible to use intentional instead of willing?

The words intentional and willing can be used in similar contexts, but intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When could voluntary be used to replace willing?

While in some cases nearly identical to willing, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

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

Adjective

Bankers, who often complain that uncertainty is bad for business, are now willing to try all sorts of deals to see what will work. —

Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Although the new government seems willing to listen to Alawite concerns, there’s a lingering resentment, with many pointing to the community’s complicity in torture and war crimes — whether in the security services or gangs of thugs known as the shabiha — over the 14 years of the conflict. —

Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 The only player in that group the Nuggets likely would be willing to part with is Porter. —

Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025 Butler was willing to fly separately, but the Heat told him not to bother, opting to suspend him instead. —

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for willing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing

Adjective

Florida ain’t ready for this | Commentary Snow in Florida?

— Milena Malaver, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
The industry wasn’t ready for a platform approach to optical connectivity.

— Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025