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
In the city by the river the authorities raised banners across buildings and lampposts to proclaim pride in their children and wish them luck. George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025 Thanking guests for coming, wishing them a safe journey home, or announcing a final toast can encourage a natural exit. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
The president last week revived his longstanding wish for Republicans to gut the filibuster, which requires legislation in the Senate to garner 60 votes. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2025 Jon expresses his deep concern for Bruce, his wish for what the road trip will be. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • The rub is that mandatory gratuities, the 15% to 20% that restaurants often impose on parties of six people or more, aren’t eligible for the deduction, a disappointment to the restaurant and foodservice industry, which held out hope for a different outcome.
    Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Scenes start, jarringly, without introduction or fanfare, as though we’ve been vaulted into the action; the plot resists all attempts by the viewer to impose any kind of order.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • There’s always someone around the corner who’s eager to please you.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Total Wine & More’s 2025 advent calendar of wine features varietals from all over the world that are sure to please even the pickiest oenophile.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Stueber’s widow, Catherine, and lawyers on both sides did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The first lady did not immediately return a request for comment.
    Graph Massara, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Most of the victims had execution-style wounds, some of which were inflicted with two quick shots at very close range, leaving traces of gunpowder on the bodies.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Yet a return to war by the Israeli military would extend the unimaginable suffering inflicted on the people of Gaza, and the condemnation of the international community.
    Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • If that is what Talamasca wants to be, well, what a blessing!
    Lily Osler, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The key to this classic is making sure cook off all the liquid in the summer squash, because no one wants a watery casserole.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The trend captures a kind of affordable opulence, a desire to evoke the elegance of wealth without its cost.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • His decision to make the move to college was in large part driven by a desire to test himself.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Last week, four Republic of Ireland internationals playing in the Women’s Super League in England, Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace) and Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), chose not to have the poppy on their team shirts.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The Dolphins chose not to spend the money (or match or surpass other teams’ offers) on several solid contributors after their rookie contracts ended.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Late hours are a must, bathroom graffiti helps and there should be a fairly high ratio of cheap beer to, well, pretty much everything else.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Elliott, a native Southerner, said sweet tea is a must for her menu, too.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

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