will
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for will, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — A modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use will
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English willan ("to want, wish"), a very old Germanic word related to German wollen and Dutch willen.
Full origin of will →Frequently asked questions
What does “will” mean?
The word “will” means a modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty. In plain terms, either the helper verb for talking about the future ('I will go'), or a noun meaning strong determination or a legal document about inheritance.
How do you pronounce “will”?
“Will” is pronounced wih ([wɪɫ] in IPA).
How do you use “will” in a sentence?
Here is “will” used in a sentence: “I will call you as soon as I land.”
What part of speech is “will”?
Depending on how it is used, “will” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “will” come from?
The word “will” comes from Old English. From Old English willan ("to want, wish"), a very old Germanic word related to German wollen and Dutch willen.
Is “will” a common word?
“Will” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “will” have?
“Will” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty.
What is the difference between "will" and "shall"?
Both refer to the future, but "will" is by far the more common in modern English. "Shall" survives mainly in questions that offer or suggest something ("Shall we dance?") and in formal or legal documents, where it expresses obligation.
What is the difference between "will" and "would"?
"Would" acts as the past form of "will" ("He said he would call") and expresses hypothetical or polite meanings ("I would love that," "Would you mind?"). "Will" states future intention or certainty more directly.
What is the difference between "will" and "going to"?
"Going to" usually signals a plan already made or something clearly about to happen ("I'm going to visit Rome in May"). "Will" is common for decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, and predictions ("I'll get the door").
Does "will" take an "-s" with "he" or "she"?
No. As a modal verb, "will" keeps the same form for every subject: "she will," never "she wills" in the future sense. The form "wills" exists only for the separate verb meaning to want, intend, or choose something strongly.