Rather
Rather adverb - By choice or preference.
Usage example: I would rather go to the movies than stay at home
Willingly is a synonym for rather in affirmation topic. In some cases you can use "Willingly" instead an adverb "Rather", when it comes to topics like preferably.
Willingly
Willingly adverb - By choice or preference.
Usage example: I would not willingly eat liver, but sometimes I have no choice
Rather is a synonym for willingly in affirmation topic. You can use "Rather" instead an adverb "Willingly".
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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She's not interested in crushing him (which due to his unique soul even she might not be able to do) but rather in getting him to join in willingly.
Source: Webcomic / Demon Candy: Parallel - What it didn't state, however, was whether Luigi would do so willingly, or rather, whether he would do it if he wasn't brainwashed by Dimentio by planting a floro sprout in his brain beforehand.
Source: Exact Words / Video Games -
By exploiting a Stable Time Loop, he enters the blade willingly (rather than forcefully, as was originally the case), pacifying the spirit/himself.
Source: Equippable Ally
Cite this Source
Willingly and Rather. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/rather/willingly
Rather & Willingly. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/rather/willingly>.
Willingly or Rather. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/rather/willingly.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "rather" and "willingly" have occurred on timeline