want 1 of 2

1
2
3
4

want

2 of 2

noun

1
2
3
4
5

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
This one threw me at first—who wants a sweet potato salad? Josh Miller, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 Each Epic Universe ride has its own guidelines, but visitors who want to experience every attraction at Epic must be at least 48 inches tall. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025
Noun
Popularized in the 1950s by actors Audrey Hepburn and Jean Seberg as part of a visual rejection the long locks of their bombshell counterparts—and a want of European sophistication—pixie cuts have remained a symbol of nonconformity. Tish Weinstock, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025 Consideration centers on respect demonstrated by anticipating others' wants and needs. Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for want
Recent Examples of Synonyms for want
Verb
  • The age of white-washed, super scant, and industrial spaces are behind us—designers are craving excitement, color, life, stories within interior design.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 May 2025
  • The entire ending of the game was wild, and now people are craving more drama from this series.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Typically, people need pharmaceutical assistance to recover from parasites, Sullivan says, but there aren’t as many treatments available for Giardia as there are Cryptosporidium.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 23 May 2025
  • Key Takeaways Compost piles that smell bad usually have poor airflow, excess moisture, or an imbalance of ingredients that needs to be corrected.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • As part of the settlement, students in the club who wish to participate in the game will be able to do so with a parental permission slip.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • States With Medicaid Requirements Released For Public Comment Iowa, South Carolina and Utah are all wishing for amendments to be made to their state policies regarding Medicaid work requirements and each are still at the public comment stage of the process.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Celestial Park is an original concept world, which Universal likes to say puts the park back into theme park.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • In this case, changes in taste doesn’t mean going from liking sweater vests to going all Boho-chic.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • After two days exploring Barcelona, Spain, Napton was surprised at the lack of political discourse.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Morehouse graduates applaud the honor Part of the tragedy of Hubert’s lynching was a lack of awareness surrounding his story among Morehouse graduates until only recently, several alumni said.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • In their open letter this spring, former weather service directors warned that severe staffing shortages at local weather service offices could lead to less accurate and detailed forecasts this summer.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 19 May 2025
  • At least five controllers took 45 days of trauma leave after the incident, leading to a staffing shortage that canceled and delayed more than a thousand flights.
    Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • According to a report from the National Disability Institute, over 40% of adults with disabilities live in poverty, and 85% have no access to financial advisors who specialize in special needs planning.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • While Medicaid traditionally was thought of as a health care program for individuals living in poverty who are unable to work, Obamacare dramatically loosened the eligibility requirements, which has allowed millions of able-bodied individuals to be added to the rolls.
    The Editors, National Review, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • If this story were a parable, our hero would likely suffer some ignoble end as punishment for his moral failings.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 13 May 2025
  • In this newest cover-up, Clooney repeats his film’s original failing — its nostalgic salute to the power of electronic media suasion.
    Armond White, National Review, 30 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/want. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on want

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!