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
willingness
noun
Synonyms
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
Joe Budden isn’t willing to look past that, suggesting that the 24-year-old singer should retire after hearing his latest snippet.
—
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 4 Feb. 2025
Far more willing to marvel at their heroics was Robert S. Tucker, the commissioner, who worked in the private sector before Mayor Eric Adams appointed him as the administrative head of the department last August.
—Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, the exodus of big insurers over the past two years left independent brokers scrambling to find companies willing to protect people.
—Liz Baker, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
The case to part ways: If a team is willing to offer two picks in the first three rounds, perhaps an internal conversation is warranted.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for willing 
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.
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 4 Feb. 2025
Far more willing to marvel at their heroics was Robert S. Tucker, the commissioner, who worked in the private sector before Mayor Eric Adams appointed him as the administrative head of the department last August.
—Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, the exodus of big insurers over the past two years left independent brokers scrambling to find companies willing to protect people.
—Liz Baker, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
The case to part ways: If a team is willing to offer two picks in the first three rounds, perhaps an internal conversation is warranted.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for willing
Dictionary Entries Near willing
Cite this Entry
“Willing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willing. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share