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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
Turns out, Americans are willing to spend big to impress a match—$125 on average! Alex Backus, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 These beliefs are already reshaping leadership structures, with 95% of U.S. CEOs willing to add or replace board members with AI experts. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Although lawmakers who endorsed eviction reform said many of their colleagues privately supported it, not enough of them were willing to go public with that support by voting in favor of the bill. Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025 McAfee is willing to go in many different directions. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
  • But not everyone is ready to join the wave just yet.
    Jon Youshaei, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Plan to wear a comfortable outfit and be ready to undress from the waist up.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism Israeli Embassy shooting: See the scene Real quick All American Rejects singer explains what's up with viral pop-up shows.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • The ship was to be the second major navy surface vessel revealed in quick succession by North Korea.
    Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 22 May 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
  • Everyone is understandably thrilled for McIlroy, and everyone has been leaving their congratulations for him throughout the evening.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Or even, hypothetically, without leaving the dance floor.
    James Dinh, Billboard, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • If the economy continues on its current trajectory of moderating inflation and robust jobs growth, then the FOMC may be more inclined to cut rates.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The club’s best players would be more inclined to stay, to sign new deals, and the attraction for possible new arrivals would be even greater.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Another received 12 to 15 years for voluntary manslaughter.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 28 May 2025
  • The drills are still meant to be non-contact during the voluntary sessions.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 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
  • Investors appeared glad that Musk would be pivoting away from his involvement in politics to refocus on his companies, pushing up shares of the electric vehicle company nearly 7% Tuesday.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 28 May 2025
  • Many billionaires appear glad to part with lots of their money for a shot at living forever.
    Dobromir Rahnev, The Conversation, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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