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noun

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb want differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of want are covet, crave, desire, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

When is it sensible to use covet instead of want?

While the synonyms covet and want are close in meaning, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

When is crave a more appropriate choice than want?

In some situations, the words crave and want are roughly equivalent. However, crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When might desire be a better fit than want?

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

desires to start a new life

In what contexts can wish take the place of want?

The words wish and want can be used in similar contexts, but wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

Examples 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 want
Verb
The idea [of this album] is that people enjoy it and at the same time want to party. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 22 Nov. 2024 Older bucks don’t want a bunch of other deer bedded close to them. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
Even without financial struggles, moms so often put themselves, their wants, and their needs on the back burner. Zara Hanawalt, Parents, 30 Sep. 2024 According to court documents, an additional domestic violence charge, a misdemeanor, was dismissed for want of prosecution. Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for want 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for want
Verb
  • Yet social media algorithms crave controversy to drive clicks and engagement, so online forums erupted with fans complaining about the change.
    Robert Niles, Orange County Register, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Global South countries crave a trustworthy partner.
    Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Bates needed more than 200 stitches to repair the damage to her scalp, according to her attorneys.
    Jason Green, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
  • The Orediggers entered Saturday ranked 10th in the region and need to rise into the top seven in order to reach the postseason.
    Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Given the number and variety of components provided, those wishing to extend their knowledge will find hundreds of suitable projects online.
    Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
  • People who wish to assist in the search Thursday were asked to assemble at Mulhauser Barn in Beckett Park by 8 a.m.
    Enquirer staff, The Enquirer, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Georgia got regular work on I Love Lucy because Lucille Ball liked her.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Both liked casita buildings 37 and 38, situated higher on the grounds and deeper within the canyon than the rest.
    Tasha Zemke, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But federal health officials say the lack of heating and pasteurization poses risks like exposure to harmful bacteria like E. coli and listeria — a concern that's been amplified by bird flu spreading among dairy cattle.
    Natalie Daher, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Earlier this month Qatar said it could no longer be involved in mediation efforts due to a lack of willingness by both Hamas and Israel to engage in good faith attempts to end the deadly conflict.
    Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Now that customer demand has waned and worker shortages largely have dissipated, the tables have turned.
    Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
  • Legend has it that the Connecticut town of Colchester postponed its Thanksgiving feast for a week in 1705 due to a molasses shortage, according to history.com.
    John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • For communities facing poverty, houses are less likely to be rebuilt to withstand hurricane-force winds.
    Patricia McIlreavy, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Volunteers fill shoeboxes with essentials, school supplies, and toys for children worldwide, especially those facing war, poverty, or disaster.
    Jasmine Baehr, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Simply put, these failings of the Giants offense do not fall squarely on the shoulders of the former quarterback.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Washington nails Malcolm’s steely militancy and gift of gab, but the performance goes far deeper, examining the early failings and eventual righteous fury that transformed him into a once-in-a-lifetime political figure.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near want

Cite this Entry

“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/want. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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