will 1 of 2

verb

ˈwil How to pronounce will (audio)
Definition of willnext
1
as in to leave
to give by means of a will willed their house to their adult children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to want
to see fit do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

will

2 of 2

noun

ˈwil How to pronounce will (audio)
1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions she kept her face still by sheer force of will

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in choice
the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions you cannot force me to do anything against my own will

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 will
Verb
The buzz began to build inside Hard Rock Stadium, capacity 64,478, as the England crowd willed its side forward. — Russell Lewis, NPR, 11 July 2026 After the first hydration break, the Americans seemed to settle into the game and the partisan crowd at Lumen Field in Seattle began to will them back into the contest. — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Noun
Together, Snaps and Pop have been central to sowing bad will, especially within the Thomas family. — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026 That is why maintaining a current will and estate plan is essential. — Morgan Mouchette, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for will
Recent Examples of Synonyms for will
  1. leave
  2. want
  3. restraint
  4. choice
  5. bequeath
  6. please
  7. determination
  8. free will
Verb
  • The group of females – Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso – was the second to leave Marineland, and marked the largest beluga transfer ever completed in the United States.
    — Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike the Tribune, none of the outlets Welch spoke with had interviewed the harassment victims, leaving Welch to present a largely one-sided account.
    — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of leave
Verb
  • Not the actual on-the-field product, but those who want to attend the games.
    — Mac Engel July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • That’s huge considering the Jayhawks want to surround Tyran Stokes with spacing and options to pass to.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of want
Noun
  • What can be done to put our leader in some kind of restraint?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The dire time restraints were real, along with the contentious Zoom meetings or phone calls that have taken place over the past five months.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • This fuss-free pair has it all—plenty of color choices, comfy low heels, and a sleek, versatile design that will easily match any outfit, especially mini skirts and dresses.
    — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The choice between El-Sayed and Stevens has become a focal point for Democrats this year, and the race has become bitter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of choice
Verb
  • But instead, many Africans were further exploited and bequeathed with debt that continues to this day.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
  • The avenues running along the park’s eastern and western edges are framed by museums, art galleries, and concert halls bequeathed by Carnegies, Morgans, and Fricks.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Definition of bequeath
Verb
  • But, the general public is difficult to please for any extended period of time and following the Apollo 11 moon landing in July of 1969, space toys faded in interest.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with information about Nancy’s disappearance is asked to please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
    — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Definition of please
Noun
  • So harnessing the competitiveness and work rate which complemented a generational talent, the former striker went back to the drawing board with gritty determination.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But engineers don’t have all the data in hand to make a final determination.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of determination
Noun
  • The poem draws on Greek mythology to weave a morality tale exploring themes of hospitality, hubris, loyalty, temptation, and free will.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026
  • The patient must be in an advanced or terminal stage, experiencing pain that cannot be relieved or is unbearable, and seeking lethal medication of their own free will.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Definition of free will

Phrases Containing will

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will
willed
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Cite this Entry

“Will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/will. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on will

Nglish: Translation of will for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about will

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