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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
Creating that kind of environment makes employees more willing to take calculated risks. Julia Sullivan, USA Today, 21 July 2025 That’s where the Chiefs are — less willing to take the chance on replacing them. Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025 Neither a complacent, neutered Congress nor a Supreme Court controlled by lifelong GOP partisan operatives appear willing or able to stop it. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 As Tolbert said, fit is less important than joining a club that’s willing to develop and guide the player down his own path. Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for willing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willing
Adjective
  • Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are ready to play a round of The Fame Game.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025
  • Karen Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina, said many young people are simply not ready to start families due to financial uncertainty, lack of support systems, and late marriages.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Raspberry Bites: Place a single white chocolate chip inside a raspberry for a quick, indulgent treat.
    Christina Manian, Health, 21 July 2025
  • Instead, use this time to wind down maybe by stretching, reading, journaling or even doing a quick emotional check-in.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 July 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
  • But the moderates also emphasized that their vote for the final bill would hinge on Johnson’s ability to keep his word about leaving Medicaid benefits untouched.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Or even, hypothetically, without leaving the dance floor.
    James Dinh, Billboard, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • If your kids are similarly musically inclined, CoComelon songs are another solid option.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 18 July 2025
  • For now, the Marlins are inclined to have Snelling finish out the season in the minors, though that’s subject to change.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • The program also focuses on ensuring participation remains voluntary and contingent upon parental consent.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Viewers and listeners of PBS and NPR are significantly more affluent than the average American, which gives them the means to support public broadcasting through voluntary contributions.
    The Editors, National Review, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas These sheet pan chicken fajita quesadillas are a hassle-free way to make a crowd-pleasing meal without standing over the stove.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, lean into what feels good, and if that’s pleasing your boo above all else, that may tell you something.
    Quispe López, Them, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Suzie Whitelaw, founder of Save Our Beaches San Clemente, was glad to hear the two-year study was back on track, after emergency work needs slowed progress.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • In that moment, Lindsey recalls being surrounded by loved ones, and glad to know what happened to her little girl.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 13 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willing. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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