Thesaurus

want

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of want

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy

I want a new car so badly!

Synonyms for want

Words Related to want

spoil (for)

favor,
prefer

Phrases Synonymous with want

set one's heart on

Near Antonyms for want

2 to have as a requirement

that stray cat wants food and a clean place to sleep

Synonyms for want

Words Related to want

Phrases Synonymous with want

call for

Near Antonyms for want

own,
possess

Antonyms for want

have,
hold

3 to see fit

do what you want

Synonyms for want

Words Related to want

4 to wish to have

I want some ice cream for dessert, please

Synonyms for want

Words Related to want

Phrases Synonymous with want

feel like

want

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of want (Entry 2 of 2)

1 the fact or state of being absent

the proverb that begins, "for want of a nail, the shoe was lost"

Synonyms for want

Words Related to want

privation

Near Antonyms for want

deluge,
flood

Antonyms for want

presence

2 a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number

there's a notable want of teachers in that rural school district

Synonyms for want

Words Related to want

Near Antonyms for want

Antonyms for want

3 a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful

those children are in want of some good discipline

Synonyms for want

Words Related to want

defect,
minus

Near Antonyms for want

4 the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions

grew up in extreme want

Synonyms for want

Words Related to want

exigency

Near Antonyms for want

Antonyms for want

5 a defect in character

she's well-meaning and kind, but her besetting want is a complete lack of tact

Synonyms for want

Words Related to want

Phrases Synonymous with want

feet of clay

Near Antonyms for want

Antonyms for want

merit,
virtue

Frequently Asked Questions About want

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