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willful Synonyms

Another word for willful

Choosing another word for willful depends on context, so the 18 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Done or committed intentionally and deliberately, often with full awareness of the negative or unlawful consequences.

Usage Example

"The regulatory agency fined the corporation for its deliberate disregard of environmental safety standards."

Strongest
deliberate
intentional
Strong
conscious
calculated
premeditated
purposeful
knowing
voluntary

• adjective (Context 2)

Having or showing a stubborn and determined intention to do as one wants, regardless of the advice, wishes, or authority of others.

Usage Example

"Raising a headstrong toddler requires a great deal of patience and consistent boundaries."

Strongest
headstrong
stubborn
self-willed
obstinate
Strong
wayward
unruly
intractable
recalcitrant
refractory
contrary

Opposites of willful

The opposite of willful shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

obedient
compliant
accidental
unintentional
inadvertent
docile
tractable
submissive
See all opposites of willful

• Nearby Words

wiliness
will
willet
willful
willfully
willfulness
william

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Willful. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/willful
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