NYT Dictionary
WILLINGLY
/ˈwɪlɪŋli/AdverbWILL-ing-lywill-ing-ly · 3 syllablesGrade 9
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025
Meaning
Of one’s own free will; freely and spontaneously.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
From Middle English willyngly, wyllyngly (“intentionally, deliverately; freely, gladly”), from Old English willendlīċe (“diligently”), equivalent to willing + -ly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
unwillingly
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: