Would — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb adjective /wəd/

Meaning & Definition of Would

Would (verb)

  1. —used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention
  2. should
  3. —used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice

Would (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give by means of a will

    "willed their house to their adult children"

    similar: bequeath, leave
    related: deed, hand down, hand on, pass (down), devise

  2. to see fit

    "do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair"

    similar: choose, like, please, want, wish
    related: ache (for), covet, crave, desire, die (for), fancy, hanker (for), hunger (for), itch (for), long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), yearn (for), decide, determine, resolve

Would (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in new, untested

    similar: beginning, entry-level, fresh, green, new, raw, unseasoned, untested, untried, amateur, amateurish, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful, curbstone, self-taught, uninitiated, unprepared, unqualified, unschooled, untaught, untrained, untutored, crude, primitive, unfinished, unpolished, incapable, incompetent, talentless, unable, unfit, ungifted, untalented
    opposite: able, accomplished, capable, competent, dexterous, gifted, habile, handsome, proficient, skilled, skillful, talented, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, educated, fitted, initiated, knowledgeable, prepared, qualified, schooled, taught, trained, tutored, versed, all-around, ambidextrous, versatile, well-rounded, finished, polished, slick, ace, adept, consummate, crackerjack, expert, master, masterful, masterly, professional, virtuosic, virtuoso

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Would

The most common words with a similar meaning to Would:

bequeath, leave, choose, like, please, want, wish, beginning, entry-level, fresh, green, new, raw, unseasoned, untested, untried, amateur, amateurish, dilettante, dilettantish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful, curbstone, self-taught, uninitiated, unprepared, unqualified, unschooled, untaught, untrained, untutored, crude, primitive, unfinished, unpolished

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Would

Words with the opposite meaning of Would:

able, accomplished, capable, competent, dexterous, gifted, habile, handsome, proficient, skilled, skillful, talented, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, educated, fitted, initiated, knowledgeable, prepared, qualified, schooled, taught, trained, tutored, versed, all-around, ambidextrous, versatile

Related Words for Would

deed, hand down, hand on, pass (down), devise, ache (for), covet, crave, desire, die (for), fancy, hanker (for), hunger (for), itch (for), long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), yearn (for), decide, determine, resolve

Origin & Etymology of Would

Middle English wolde, from Old English; akin to Old High German wolta wished, desired

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Would

Words & Phrases Containing Would

would-be, would appreciate it, would have one believe, would it kill you, would just as soon, would kill for, would kill one

Frequently Asked Questions about Would

What does "Would" mean?

"Would" means —used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention. As an a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: —used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Would"?

Other words for "Would" include bequeath, leave, choose, like, please, want, wish and beginning. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Would" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Would"?

There are 72 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Would". Common alternatives include bequeath, leave, choose, like, please, want, wish, beginning, entry-level and fresh.

What is the opposite of "Would"?

Antonyms of "Would" include able, accomplished, capable, competent, dexterous, gifted, habile and handsome.

How do you use "Would" in a sentence?

Examples of "Would" in a sentence: "willed their house to their adult children"; "do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair".

Is "Would" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Would" can be used as a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Would" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Would" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Would"?

"Would" is pronounced /wəd/.