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Definition of wantnext
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want

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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

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 want
Verb
No student-athlete wants to begin their senior year by having intense hip surgery. John Lauritsen, CBS News, 4 June 2026 The rideshare company wants to unite the two firms to offer Lucid Gravity robotaxis in its fleet. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 4 June 2026
Noun
The fact that those dreary assessments have very little to do with the actual wants and needs of the vast majority of Californians — not to mention the state’s history of electing mostly dull and drab governors — should give their authors pause. Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026 Brewer is aware that Achane and Brooks want/need extensions, too. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for want
Recent Examples of Synonyms for want
Verb
  • Many are noticing the impact their reliance on technology has had on their relationships, and are craving real personal connections.
    Staff Author, Parents, 7 June 2026
  • While the crowd skews young, the hotel also attracts business travelers craving a post-conference buzz.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • But after struggling on the road before losing consecutive games at home against Las Vegas and Dallas amid a three-game losing streak, the Sparks needed something to go right.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • Obviously, there are multiple things in this outing that need to be cleaned up.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • According to sources, Charles wishes to leave her the Keppel Tiara, a diamond-and-ruby piece valued at around $44,000, which originally belonged to Alice Keppel, Camilla’s great-great-grandmother.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 June 2026
  • Stop, stop, don’t all rush in to wish me a happy birthday!
    Allison DeAngelis, STAT, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • The reason is that investors don’t seem to like the idea of fractional share ownership, so reducing the share price makes the stock feel more accessible.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • The service The staff are gentle but also fun, witty and joyful, such as Rini, who can answer almost any question on Bawah; Nintya who handles landscaping and permaculture; and the waiter Julian, who likes to practice his English accent.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • But despite this, experts say the lack of AI play is not the main reason why global investors are exiting India.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • This area is the best of the best—in part because of the wildlife sightings but also because of the lack of vehicles (the land is exclusively crossed by guests of Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Tony & Tara Eiguren The great potato capital has no shortage of great Basque food either, thanks to a hearty diaspora and community members like Tony and Tara Eiguren.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Beyond the direct threat posed by drones, Russians are facing growing fuel shortages as Ukraine’s strikes on oil refineries limit supply.
    Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Often, the recruits came from troubled homes or were living in poverty.
    Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • Whenever discussions surrounding Connecticut potential come up, Hartford is often brought up across the lens of crime statistics, poverty levels, underfunded schools, or financial instability.
    Kenneth Okeke, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • The director explains that there’s a very real weight stigma that exists in society and that due to that it’s often suggested that being in a larger body is somehow a moral failing.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
  • Mary disrupts Clark’s equilibrium with the Backrooms by refusing to validate his excuses for his behavior, fully calling out his failings, his petty assholery, and his glib, solipsistic lies.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/want. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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