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
as in enthusiasm
cheerful readiness to do something
his unhesitating willingness to take on the tough assignments has earned him the status of the president's right-hand man
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
Examples 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
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 
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
-
After 16 years, the overnight sensation was ready for her success.—
Matthew Futterman,
The Athletic,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The show’s host was quick to point out that Jim Jones was still blushing when speaking of her.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
22 Jan. 2025
-
One way to relieve those symptoms is with a quick walk.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 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
Noun
-
Investors responded with enthusiasm, sending Burberry shares up nearly 15 percent to 12.31 pounds in morning trading following the update.—
Samantha Conti,
WWD,
24 Jan. 2025
-
In his defense, the Anti-Defamation League tweeted from X that Musk’s gesture seemed to be an awkward expression of enthusiasm.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
24 Jan. 2025
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 the Jets, Ryan went 15-16 with Buffalo before he was fired with one game remaining during the 2016 season.—
Antwan Staley,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
For the more tactically inclined, the current situation presents opportunities in the volatility market itself.—
Bob Haber,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
-
The strategist suggested that Trump’s immediate lame-duck status, having already served one term, may also make some of his critics more inclined to accept him this time around.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Evacuation warnings -- voluntary notices to leave -- begin to be issued in the Palisades Fire.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
16 Jan. 2025
-
Catch up quick: The EU's Code of Practice on Disinformation, introduced in 2022, includes several voluntary commitments that tech firms and private companies, including fact-checking organizations, are expected to deliver on.—
Sara Fischer,
Axios,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Government forces retreated with unexpected alacrity.—
John Feffer,
Newsweek,
10 Dec. 2024
-
But the play gets away with it, due both to the fiery conviction of Belawadi’s and Mudaliyar’s performances and to the spacious, non-mimetic alacrity of Flack’s staging.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
12 Sep. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near willing
Cite this Entry
“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share