wish 1 of 2

1
as in to impose
to offer (something fake, useless, or inferior) as genuine, useful, or valuable despite my protestations, the dreaded position of club secretary was wished on me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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wish

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb wish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of wish are covet, crave, desire, and want. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

When can covet be used instead of wish?

The meanings of covet and wish largely overlap; however, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

In what contexts can crave take the place of wish?

While the synonyms crave and wish are close in meaning, crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When would desire be a good substitute for wish?

Although the words desire and wish have much in common, desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

Where would want be a reasonable alternative to wish?

The words want and wish can be used in similar contexts, but want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wish
Verb
For those who wish to plant and grow wild garlic themselves, seeds are also available to buy. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025 Several countries have toughened advisories for citizens wishing to travel to the U.S. under the Trump administration — warning them there could be greater scrutiny at borders after some foreign travelers were turned back. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
Rather than respect her wishes, Joe finds this dude and stabs him in the street. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 My greatest wish is that through organizations like Planned Parenthood and the action of everyday citizens, no woman will need to sacrifice her dreams, her health or humanity because of restrictive laws or lack of resources. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • But with Trump imposing punishing tariffs on all Chinese imports, the millions of Americans who became reliant on those sites could find those cheap goods less affordable.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • That same month, the Trump Administration imposed tariffs of ten per cent on all Chinese imports.
    Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • But the viewer wasn’t the only one the jewelry designer sought to please.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Al-Qaida had published a document that said Harry’s assassination would please Muslims, and he and his wife were involved in a dangerous pursuit by paparazzi in New York.
    Brian Melley, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • With Zero Trust, businesses must verify every access request before granting entry, ensuring that security remains a top priority at every level of digital interaction.
    William Jones, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Newsweek reached out to the White House by email with a request for comment outside of office hours.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Former National Security Adviser John Bolton said the departure of Waltz from the national security adviser post is yet another blow to America’s global stature inflicted by Trump.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
  • The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has said that evidence shows conversion therapies inflict harm on young people, including elevated rates of suicidal ideation.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • So to actually be part of the exhibition and be interacting with her has really been a full-circle moment for me because some of her writing really inspired me to want to design myself.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • There is a formula for some comedy where people don’t want something different.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • Being honest, open and direct is key — don’t be afraid to express your heart’s desires.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • Several voiced a desire for neighborhood checkpoints staffed by the National Guard, which are currently in place to protect Pacific Palisades.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • The fact that the high court chose this case to discuss universal injunctions could mean a majority want to reaffirm their use, said Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Because Connecticut chose to expand Medicaid in 2014, our state provides health insurance to thousands of working adults who are not offered health insurance through their jobs.
    Dr. James W. Cox-Chapman, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70 $17 $15 at Amazon Facial sunscreens are a must in Florida, especially to prevent sun damage and premature aging.
    Terri Peters, Parents, 8 May 2025
  • For many couples who navigate this territory successfully, more frequent and more honest communication is a must.
    Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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