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
Across the education system, from pre-k to college, smaller class sizes have been a wish for students and teachers alike with numerous studies finding more individualized learning boosts test scores and attendance. Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025 That’s the second, deeper wish. Gary Greenberg, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
In the run-up to the men’s World Cup in the summer of 2026, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, one of the key challenges for FIFA is ensuring access for the millions of soccer fans who wish to attend the tournament. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 Another parent appreciated the variety, though wished for clearer instructions or a pause button since the cube’s speaker could be hard to hear over excited kids. Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • Combs begs for mercy Combs addressed the court before Judge Subramanian imposed his sentence, pleading for a second chance.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Judge Arun Subramanian also requested the court impose five years of supervised release and for Diddy to pay a $500,000 fine.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On the weekends, an oversized bomber jacket, slim-fit tee, and baggy jeans outfit formula is sure to please.
    Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Today, Patel’s tenure rests solely upon pleasing the president.
    Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Kobach has petitioned top Republican lawmakers to convene a special session with the goal of blocking the Kansas Department of Revenue from resuming its practice of accommodating gender marker change requests, according to a letter sent to GOP lawmakers and obtained by The Star.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The request is just the first step in a department review process and the rate hike that is ultimately approved could be lower.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sealing the deal averted a potential Azeri invasion to secure unfettered access after Azerbaijan’s forces inflicted heavy defeats on Armenia’s army in 2020 and 2023 and pushed 120,000 Armenians out of Nagorno-Karabakh.
    Michele Crestani, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • One of the key pieces of evidence during the trial was a 2016 hotel security video of Combs kicking, punching and knocking Ventura to the ground; prosecutors also showed photos of bruising and other injuries that Ventura alleged were inflicted by Combs throughout their decade-long relationship.
    Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Even if Schottenheimer wants to deny it, a lot of the grit that players and the owner pointed to that was shown in the game goes right back to him.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The purpose of Villa’s deep build-up is to coax opponents into pressing or, as in chess, move into positions Emery wants them, opening passing lanes into his attacking midfielders.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Noah Fay, senior director of housing programs at another nonprofit that runs homeless shelters, said the desire to avoid disruptions for residents has to be balanced against the desire to keep beds full when unmet demand in Seattle is enormous.
    Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2025
  • While the lack of benefits, risk of burnout and isolation are clear risks, Brown says the desire for flexibility is strong.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nonetheless, Kishimori chose the United States as his first overseas trip at age 20 and then chose the United States as his first destination after joining the Japanese Foreign Service.
    Carol Cain, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Patrons can choose between six spice levels.
    Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But staying relevant in the digital landscape, especially as AI enters the mix, is a must.
    Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • It’s located off the southeast end of campus near the UF Health Shands Hospital and the Cade Museum (a must for families), putting restaurants and gameday activities only a short drive away.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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