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willing

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verb

present participle of will

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
The two states have been building more new homes than any other in the country over the past few years, but this growing inventory is struggling to find willing buyers as the U.S. remains in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 There’s no one protecting him because there’s no one there willing to say no to him. Marina Watts, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025 In contrast, Pétion, the ruler of the south, was willing to negotiate, hoping that the country might be able to pay France for recognition of its independence. Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025 There’s not one person in that locker room who’s not willing to sacrifice for somebody else. Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
  • Each of them was based on an agreement that McVeigh's comments would not be published until the defense decided when, or if, their client was ready to tell his story publicly.
    Kevin Johnson, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • But Astoria isn’t ready to give up the hunt just yet.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Telegraphed data arrived in the morning, and FitzRoy made quick extrapolations from his knowledge of storm theories, sending forecasts an hour later.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This mower features a quick start system and a side discharge for efficient grass management.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 14 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
  • Or even, hypothetically, without leaving the dance floor.
    James Dinh, Billboard, 14 Apr. 2025
  • All these states have been struck by natural disasters last year, leaving affected residents struggling to piece their lives together—let alone file their tax returns on time.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • One concern voiced by critics is that receiving a basic income could make people less inclined to work.
    Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The legislative branch is ceding more of its power to the executive branch, and the judiciary may not be equipped or inclined to stop it.
    Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Washington Post reports that the Office of Personnel Management basically told HR officials across the government that the emails are voluntary and that the agency didn't plan to do anything with the emails that were submitted.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The 49ers’ voluntary offseason program got underway Tuesday, while the trio named above awaits contract extensions befitting their status as underpaid leaders on a franchise in flux.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas These sheet pan chicken fajita quesadillas are a hassle-free way to make a crowd-pleasing meal without standing over the stove.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, lean into what feels good, and if that’s pleasing your boo above all else, that may tell you something.
    Quispe López, Them, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The industry is surely glad to hear that the FDA, at least right now, is not implementing a ban for common dyes such as Yellow 5.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Area beekeepers are always glad to add to their own hives, or share them with other backyard beekeepers.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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