willed

[ wild ]

/ wɪld /

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See synonyms for willed on Thesaurus.com

adjective

having a will (usually used in combination): strong-willed; weak-willed.

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

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Origin of willed

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at will², -ed³

Words nearby willed

Willaert, Willamette, Willard, will-call, will contest, willed, Willem I, willemite, Willemstad, Willendorf, Willesden

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use willed in a sentence

The current societal narrative around the ultra-processed foods that dominate today’s food environment is that people who struggle to eat them in moderation – the majority of Americans – are just weak-willed.
Foods High In Added Fats And Refined Carbs Are Like Cigarettes – Addictive And Unhealthy|LGBTQ-Editor|November 20, 2021|No Straight News
“Mom was very strong-willed, like people of her generation,” Short said.
A small town in denial comes face to face with the virus|Will Englund|February 26, 2021|Washington Post
The latter path is only for the free-willed and adventurous, especially in small-town India, where dating is a fairly new social phenomenon that carries a lot of stigma.
How India’s homegrown apps help people date in small towns|Manavi Kapur|February 14, 2021|Quartz
Carol was strong-willed and energetic—she continued teaching and running marathons well into her chemotherapy.
The Nurse Coaching People Through Death by Starvation|Nick Tabor|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Is it a little unbelievable that Spencer, once again, is playing the strong-willed lady with the heart of gold?
‘Red Band Society’ Is Really Freaking Sad (And May Be TV’s Best New Drama)|Kevin Fallon|September 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But the people of Iraq were strong-willed, a great people, and he trusted them to sort out their affairs.
Only Iraq Can Save Itself From Chaos|Jay Parini|June 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There is the Providence Place Mall, which Cianci willed into existence at the moment when retail shops were fleeing the downtown.
Can America’s Favorite Ex-Con Mayor Win Again?|David Freedlander|June 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You have to be living a life of willed ignorance and denial to take issue with what Israel said.
You’re in Denial if You Think Steve Israel Is Wrong About GOP Racism|Michael Tomasky|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She dressed always in black, was very devout and rich and narrow and iron-willed.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
But Providence willed it otherwise; for Mr. Sleek suddenly entered his conservatory in a state of considerable excitement.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3)|Charles James Wills
God willed that the Holy Ghost should dispense his influences for carrying into effect the purposes of mercy.
The Ordinance of Covenanting|John Cunningham
Misfortune, Fatality, had willed that a drop of water thicker than the surrounding medium should pass through one of the mollusks.
Urania|Camille Flammarion
Her cold hand lay upon its mouth, and her head upon its body, for she was too far gone to move if she had willed to do so.
A Lady of Quality|Frances Hodgson Burnett

British Dictionary definitions for willed

willed

/ (wɪld) /

adjective

(in combination) having a will as specifiedweak-willed

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

willed

Origin of willed

Words nearby willed

Words related to willed

How to use willed in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for willed