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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
Between the two of them, Basel is the more reticent, the one less willing to dream out loud. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025 While willing to make unimaginable sacrifices to try to awaken the conscience of white Americans to the injustice of lynching, Wells also took great care to protect her Black community, knowing full well that her efforts to confront racial injustice would incite violence against them. Amy Gais / Made By History, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025 Lula was a union leader, and is willing to bargain, willing to settle. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Feb. 2025 Not being willing to put a little more of that money towards the Cubs shows that the family only cares about maximize their profits. Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
  • And one that is speeding toward Kansas City ready to make an impact.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The nature here is plentiful, with waterfalls and caves in ready supply.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • LeCroy was quick to comfort him—though every mom watching recognized the protective Mama Bear look in her eyes.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Snagging a deal on Woot is about being quick, as these deals don't stick for long, disappearing as soon as stock runs out (which is usually pretty quick).
    Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 27 Feb. 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
  • Jenner also attended the afterparty of the Los Angeles A Complete Unknown premiere in December, mingling with her beau’s co-stars and leaving the function with him hand-in-hand.
    Luke Chinman, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
  • After leaving office, Loeffler sold her 50% stake in the basketball team to an investor group that included one of the former players who had spoken out most prominently.
    Dan Alexander, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This younger demographic might just be more inclined to try and trust self-driving cars.
    John Koetsier, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Chelsea’s away support is one of the best, but everyone is together, everyone is singing and more inclined to join in.
    Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There will be three members to the firing squad team − voluntary corrections staff − and all will stand behind a wall with loaded rifles 15 feet from the inmate.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • If taxpayers are given reason to doubt that the government will respect their privacy, the integrity and efficacy of our voluntary tax system will eventually crumble.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Turn French toast into a crowd-pleasing casserole in this easy to make casserole that even the kids can help prepare.
    Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Transform olive oil and herbs into a company-pleasing bread dipping oil in five minutes or less.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • No matter that soldiers too young on their glad desperate way out of history stripped down right on the streets of Budapest.
    Marianne Boruch, The New York Review of Books, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Ken was glad to tell of his WWII experience and very happy to be able to personally thank the still-living pilots on behalf of the crews of the 15th Air Force.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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