1
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
2
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
3
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
1
as in leaving
to give by means of a will
willed their house to their adult children
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in wanting
to see fit
do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
These generations are looking for leaders who are transparent, willing to admit mistakes and comfortable showing vulnerability.
—Kathryn Lancioni, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Sullivan believes Fruitist’s market opportunity is strong as consumers become more conscious about health and are willing to pay for premium products.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Consistently, almost a quarter of the public is willing to support political violence in some form, or see that as a legitimate form of political action.
—Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Adjective
He's been more than willing to go above and beyond for this team.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
These generations are looking for leaders who are transparent, willing to admit mistakes and comfortable showing vulnerability.
—Kathryn Lancioni, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Sullivan believes Fruitist’s market opportunity is strong as consumers become more conscious about health and are willing to pay for premium products.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Consistently, almost a quarter of the public is willing to support political violence in some form, or see that as a legitimate form of political action.
—Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
-
After the plane touched down, a motorcade stood ready to escort Kirk's casket to Hansen Mortuary Chapel near Seventh Street and Northern Avenue.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Each was eager to receive as much drugs as Colombia would send, ready and willing to risk their freedom for a hefty payday.—
Martin Suarez,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Additionally, the company stands out by prioritizing culture and vision over quick commissions.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Roberson, leader of the church since 2023, has also opened the doors of the Cathedral from Monday-Saturday for tours, prayers or anyone walking by who needs a quick respite from the Miami heat.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 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
-
The world might end up ruled by large technology companies that impose their solutions throughout entire continents, leaving little space for homegrown creativity.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Many travelers like to take that whole week off, leaving the weekend before Christmas.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Many choose to interpret this story as God wanting firm borders.—
John Fugelsang
September 12,
Literary Hub,
12 Sep. 2025
-
But the same respondents were also very dug in on their beliefs and not wanting to compromise them.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In a nutshell, people are easily irritated and inclined to get caught up in nasty power struggles because they’re entrenched in their own views.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
10 Sep. 2025
-
An inclined swivel mechanism creates a snug fit behind the ear, which helps preserve the low-frequency response and enhances acoustic performance.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Code does not distinguish between voluntary and involuntary expatriation.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The 30-year-old accepted a voluntary provisional suspension on June 2, which will now expire on April 2, 2026 following the outcome of European football’s governing body.—
Colin Millar,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Once professionals know their survival depends on pleasing the leader rather than serving the country, things fall apart.—
Dan Perry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
-
This all exists in a hugely crowd-pleasing package.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share