variants
or wilful
1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
a particularly willful horse that took weeks to break to saddle
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uncontrollable
given to resisting control or discipline by others
finally the parents sought professional counseling for the willful child
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in arrogant
having or showing a tendency to force one's will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity
a willful disregard for the rights of others
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in deliberate
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing
a willful attempt to cheat her siblings out of their rightful inheritance
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5
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the kind of willful person who can never bring himself to admit that he made a mistake
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of willful
But the appeals court found that Cox was guilty of willful contributory infringement and ordered a new damages trial.
—
ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
Court records show Rahman pleaded guilty Jan. 17 to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified national defense information.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Alsup ordered a trial in December to determine damages, which can reach up to $150,000 per case of willful copyright infringement.
—Lauren Harvey, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
His posts from the weekend illustrate this willful blindness yet again.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willful
ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
Court records show Rahman pleaded guilty Jan. 17 to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified national defense information.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Alsup ordered a trial in December to determine damages, which can reach up to $150,000 per case of willful copyright infringement.
—Lauren Harvey, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
His posts from the weekend illustrate this willful blindness yet again.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willful
Adjective
-
The chancellor is caught between febrile bond markets worried about government debt levels across advanced economies and rebellious Labour lawmakers who recently forced the government to pull back on reforms to welfare spending.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
22 July 2025
-
Once Audrey Hepburn was seen in a pair of the prototypical capri pants, everyone wanted to own them, and de Lennart’s hero product was later donned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor: appreciated for its originally rebellious intentions and modern-woman appeal.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Owners are increasingly savvy about distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable costs.—
Tyler Christiansen,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
-
After doing so, Haley couldn't contain herself and broke out in uncontrollable laughter.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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As the day goes on, Jim goes from a caricature of an arrogant male director to an oddly compelling picture of a pathetic man, moved by spite toward his ex-wife, Anita.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 July 2025
-
Actor Tyler Hilton played Chris Keller, a charming but arrogant musician, on four seasons of the teen soap.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Choosing to slow decision-making processes and make deliberate moves can seem radical in a competitive business market, but this investment over time can result in significant changes with lasting effects.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
While clutter implies disorganization or neglect, the messy girl look is a deliberate embrace of imperfection that still feels cozy and intentional.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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On Monday, asked about the poll proposal at an unrelated event, Adams was defiant.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
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Trump's defiant response in Butler, Penn., may have fueled his big Election Day gains among male voters.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
No one said the ’05 team wasn’t an opinionated bunch.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
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Rhea Perlman and Rita Wilson appear as Jess’ highly opinionated, codependent mother and grandmother.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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There are no longer arbitrary divisions in which people say that different functions aren’t their job or concern.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Marylanders deserve a civil justice system that recognizes the full scope of human suffering and empowers citizen juries to render verdicts based on evidence rather than arbitrary limitations.—
Bruce M. Plaxen,
Baltimore Sun,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willful. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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