willing

adjective

will·ing | \ ˈwi-liŋ

Definition of willing

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

Other Words from willing Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about willing

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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

The interaction led to the captain calling security and forcefully removing Holcomb from the plane, even though the woman with the dog found a passenger willing to exchange seats with her, according to KXXV. — Paula Rogo, Essence, "This Black Man Is Suing American Airlines For Being Kicked Off A Flight 'So A Dog Could Fly First Class'," 31 Aug. 2019 Because Gen X is nothing if not willing to inflict its traumas on its children, and Netflix is here to help. — Wired, "Netflix Re-Ups the Puppetry—and Perturbations—of Dark Crystal," 30 Aug. 2019 As fascinating as the actors’ performances are to watch, their meaning is not so easy to interpret, and many willing viewers will leave the film more bemused than enlightened. — Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Mayor of Rione Sanita' ('Il sindaco di Rione Sanita'): Film Review | Venice 2019," 30 Aug. 2019 Bear in mind, some people are more willing conversationalists than others, and as always, use discretion. — Matthew De Silva, Quartz at Work, "Why you should spend time with older colleagues outside of work," 29 Aug. 2019 There is no indication Zarif would have been willing to meet with the U.S. officials. — Shannon Pettypiece, NBC News, "Trump signals optimism on trade deal after call with Chinese," 26 Aug. 2019 Neither United nor City had been willing to meet Leicester’s £80m valuation for Maguire. — SI.com, "The Huge Contract Harry Maguire 'Turned Down' From Man City in Favour of Man Utd," 16 Aug. 2019 But the Senate has not been willing to take them up—reflecting the act’s bipartisan favor and public support. — Carolyn Kormann, The New Yorker, "The Trump Administration Finds a New Target: Endangered Species," 16 Aug. 2019 With someone else managing the project, and explaining the process, residents were more willing to take out loans and hand over their keys. — The Economist, "In the Baltic states, many people are stuck in Khrushchev-era flats," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'willing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for willing

willing

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of willing

: not refusing to do something

: quick to act or respond : doing something or ready to do something without being persuaded

: done, made, or given by choice

See the full definition for willing in the English Language Learners Dictionary

willing

adjective

will·ing | \ ˈwi-liŋ

Kids Definition of willing

1 : feeling no objection I'm willing to go.

2 : not slow or lazy She's a willing worker.

3 : made, done, or given by choice : voluntary a willing sacrifice

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willing

Definition of willing

Other Words from willing

Synonyms & Antonyms for willing

Choose the Right Synonym for willing

Examples of willing in a Sentence

First Known Use of willing

English Language Learners Definition of willing

Kids Definition of willing

willing

Definition of willing

Other Words from willing

Synonyms & Antonyms for willing

Choose the Right Synonym for willing

Examples of willing in a Sentence

First Known Use of willing

English Language Learners Definition of willing

Kids Definition of willing

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