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with a will

Idioms  
  1. Vigorously, energetically, as in He started pruning with a will. This term, first recorded in 1848, uses will in the sense of “determination.”


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The share of people with a will went up with age, hitting 37% among baby boomers.

From MarketWatch Jul. 6, 2026

That process is under way and will accelerate after the Champions League final, with a will from all parties to have the new contract tied up before next season.

From BBC May 19, 2026

Frank McGuire, a Buffalo, N.Y., businessman died with a will in 2020, leaving behind a multimillion-dollar estate.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 30, 2025

He left the war with lasting physical and emotional scars and, like such fellow veterans as Joseph Heller and Kurt Vonnegut, with a will to find words for what had happened.

From Seattle Times May 8, 2024

The mole team dug their claws into the gap, chanting together as they heaved with a will.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

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