willing

adjective

will·​ing ˈwi-liŋ How to pronounce willing (audio)
1
: inclined or favorably disposed in mind : ready
willing and eager to help
2
: prompt to act or respond
lending a willing hand
3
: done, borne, or accepted by choice or without reluctance
a willing sacrifice
4
: of or relating to the will or power of choosing : volitional
willingly adverb
willingness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for willing

voluntary, intentional, deliberate, willing mean done or brought about of one's own will.

voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

Examples of willing in a Sentence

He was a willing participant in the crime. She's lending a willing hand.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Biden administration was working on things to incentivize innovation, giving money to people willing to take on zoning challenges. Kim Velsey, Curbed, 11 Nov. 2024 This time, President-elect Donald Trump knows a lot more about how to manipulate the levers of power and plans to surround himself with loyalists willing to do his bidding in making sweeping changes to both policies and processes. Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 But sometimes there’s a real empathy imbalance, with one party much more willing to compromise and listen than the other, and that’s the case here. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 The Catholic Church was a willing partner for many of these schools. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for willing 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of willing was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near willing

Cite this Entry

“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willing. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

willing

adjective
will·​ing ˈwil-iŋ How to pronounce willing (audio)
1
: feeling no objection : ready
willing to go
2
: prompt to act or respond
willing workers
3
: done, made, or given by choice
a willing sacrifice
willingly adverb
willingness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on willing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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