willy-nilly

1. 1
   randomlyadverbidiomatic

   In a way that seems random, with no plan or order.

   Clothes were thrown willy-nilly across her bedroom floor.

   Weeds grew willy-nilly between the rows of carrots.

   Similarhaphazardly, randomly, chaotically, erratically, aimlessly

   Oppositesystematically, methodically

   Note
2. 2
   wanted or notadverb

   Whether you want it or not, and without caring about the results or what others want.

   We were pulled willy-nilly into their family argument.

   Willy-nilly, I had to learn to cook once my roommate moved out.

   Similarunwillingly, inevitably, unavoidably, involuntarily

   Oppositevoluntarily, willingly

   Note
3. 3
   randomadjective

   Done or chosen in a random way, with no plan and no good reason.

   Her willy-nilly way of packing meant she forgot her toothbrush.

   The store's prices seem willy-nilly: a pen costs more than a notebook.

   Similarhaphazard, random, arbitrary, erratic, indiscriminate

   Oppositesystematic, methodical, consistent, orderly

4. 4
   adjective

   Happening whether or not the people involved want it.

   The flood made us willy-nilly guests at our neighbor's house for a week.

   As the oldest child, she was the willy-nilly babysitter for her little brothers.

   Similarinvoluntary, unavoidable, reluctant, unwilling, inevitable

   Oppositevoluntary, willing

   Note

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