1
2
as in to want
to see fit
do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
That continued during every stoppage on the bench, as though trying to will his team to stay on its shocking course.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Jan Jones' embrace of Jackson could be the start of a tide of state House Republicans rejecting the lieutenant governor after years of feeling burned by his attempts to impose his will on the lower chamber.
—CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for will
Verb
The longest games were the loudest, especially when the crowd tried to will Badosa back into it, but Jovic kept answering.
—Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
That continued during every stoppage on the bench, as though trying to will his team to stay on its shocking course.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
This guy moves people against their will.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Jan Jones' embrace of Jackson could be the start of a tide of state House Republicans rejecting the lieutenant governor after years of feeling burned by his attempts to impose his will on the lower chamber.
—CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for will
Recent Examples of Synonyms for will
Verb
-
Then Cash made another surprising move by leaving Vilade in to hit against Gaddis rather than pinch-hitting lefty Jake Fraley, and that also paid off when Vilade delivered an RBI single up the middle.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The country’s labor market didn’t come to a standstill, as was the case in other countries in the region such as the United Arab Emirates where the vast majority of workers are migrants who tried to leave, but for Rozen, something new and troubling was laid bare.—
Theia Chatelle,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Felicia Anderson, 39, is wanted on a half-dozen criminal counts, including first-degree assault, second-degree assault and weapons violations.—
Alexa Ashwell,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2026
-
Holland doesn't want to force sobriety on anyone.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
With the world facing profound suffering and division, moral voices calling for peace, restraint and sanctity of human life deserve to be protected and amplified, not condemned.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Initially, the couple was arrested on charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree unlawful restraint, intentional cruelty to persons, risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit risk of injury to a minor.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Make one intentional choice with your money or time, and follow through fully.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Havertz is Julian Nagelsmann’s first-choice forward and, if fit, will surely start as part of a front three with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala at the World Cup.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Herrera’s single off reliever Steven Okert scored one of the runners Burrows bequeathed.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Upon her death in 2022, the Crown Jewels were bequeathed to her son, King Charles.—
Emily Kelleher,
InStyle,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kenny, however, doesn’t seem too desperate to please on that front.—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
29 Apr. 2026
-
That song’s twangful snarl — wonderfully sung by Clark, a star recording artist in her own right — is a reminder that these insurgents are also preservationists, capable of delivering old-fashioned pleasures to please the purists.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And many of the court’s six conservative justices seemed sympathetic to the Justice Department’s argument that the law bars courts from reviewing those determinations.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The determination means Lane will be the show’s only potential leading performer in this year’s Tony race.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Through the character of Carol, the show explores complex themes of agency, free will, and individualism in a nuanced take on a dystopian invasion narrative that resists easy answers.—
Patrick Hipes,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
-
There’s never been a better time to exercise your free will (and just plain exercise) by scooping up a new bike or tent to start your next outdoor adventure.—
Jamie Spain,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/will. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
