at will

[at-wil] / ˈætˈwɪl /

ADJECTIVE

ad-lib

Synonyms

STRONG

extemporize extemporized impromptu improvise improvised

WEAK

according to pleasure ad libitum as one thinks best as one wishes extemporaneous extempore made-up off-the-cuff spontaneous unprepared unrehearsed without restraint

Antonyms

WEAK

deliberate planned prepared rehearsed written

ADJECTIVE

freely

Synonyms

STRONGEST

candidly openly voluntarily willingly

WEAK

advisedly as you please at one's discretion at one's pleasure deliberately designedly fancy-free frankly intentionally of one's own accord of one's own free will plainly purposely spontaneously unchallenged unreservedly without hindrance without prompting without reserve without restraint without urging

Antonyms

WEAK

bound limited

ADVERB

ad libitum

Synonyms

WEAK

according to pleasure ad-lib as one thinks best as one wishes extemporaneous freely impromptu improvised impulsive made-up off-the-cuff offhand spontaneously unrehearsed without restraint

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 2017, Nicklaus terminated his employment agreement with the company but continued on an at-will basis.

From The Wall Street Journal

US employers generally have broad discretion to fire workers for any reason, as most staff are hired under "at-will" contracts.

From BBC

And the secretary’s power of at-will removal resolves one part of the panel’s constitutional flaw.

From Slate

Principals have tenure protections as teachers but are at-will employees as principals.

From Los Angeles Times

When there are layoffs, those who survive the cuts are reminded of the precariousness of at-will employment.

From New York Times