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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
If the Yankees are willing to eat a big chunk of the righty's contract, the prospect return might not need to be much at all. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 Apparently the Chinese government is now willing to play hardball in retaliation to Trump’s plan to levy additional duties. Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025 Barnes was a turbulent person and Renoir was his happy place, full of pretty colors and willing flesh. Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 Yet there's been no public indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to compromise -- or that the U.S. is pushing him to do so. arkansasonline.com, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
  • Even Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose vaccine stances sparked public concern, said Weldon wasn't ready.
    Axios, Axios, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The men had come in for supplies and were packing their mules and making ready to leave when Gladys encountered them.
    Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the Oscar winner is quick to remind his kids that his millions aren’t theirs to spend.
    Nicolas Vega, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
  • While the sheer number of krill in the Southern Ocean means the species is unlikely to face an acute threat to its survival in the near term, Savoca is quick to point out that numbers are no guarantee of success.
    Gabe Castro-Root, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 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
  • In March 2018, the company announced that Loeffler would be leaving at the end of the year.
    Dan Alexander, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Where government bureaucrats seem increasingly inclined to simply ignore the law, particularly in the agencies overseen by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
  • When not at work, Kate looks after Mac, who’s recovering from a motorbike accident and is inclined to spend his days sitting in his recliner.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Supportive housing is permanent, affordable housing combined with voluntary support services to address the underlying issues that prevent some people from maintaining stable housing.
    Pascale Leone, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Already, the Department of Education is moving forward with a proposal to get rid of nearly half its workforce, the Department of Veterans Affairs is targeting a reduction of 80,000 employees and the Social Security Administration has offered voluntary buyouts ahead of a reduction in force.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 15 Mar. 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
  • What seems certain is that both the club and player will be glad when the summer transfer window opens and AC Milan can part ways with Theo Hernández with the two parties clearly needing a fresh start.
    Adam Digby, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Marian coach Dan Murray knows his team survived an off shooting night but was glad the Spartans could still win against the Celtics.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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