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
But what happens when the creators get their wish, and the computers start thinking for themselves? Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 Bailey could get his wish and land at No. 6 Washington, draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman said recently, because of the continuing buzz around Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears, who could land with Charlotte or Utah (fifth pick). Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
Foreigners who wish to become Ukrainian citizens must pass a test on the country's language, history, and constitution. Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 In the meantime, wishing everyone a happy Juneteenth, aka Emancipation Day. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • Flight restrictions imposed after flare-ups between Iran and Israel last year were short-lived, Sobie said.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
  • One pitches with an imposing high leg kick, the other with a deceptive swivel.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Gallo California Chardonnay California in a bottle, this budget-friendly Gallo California Chardonnay is crafted to please a wide range of palates.
    Chelsea Frank, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • His government has a Christian conservative agenda and its intensifying campaign against the LGBTQ community has aimed to please Fidesz’s core voters, mostly in the countryside.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Florida Emergency Management and ICE did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
  • Also this week, Hippler denied the defense's request to delay the trial.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Attempting to assault a federal officer and inflict bodily injury is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • Jurors, who deliberated for about a day, also rejected sentencing enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury on his accusers.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Those who have questions about this program, or who want to inquire about other activities and volunteer opportunities, may call DMCC during business hours at (858) 792-7565, email dmcc@dmcc.cc or visit the website at www.dmcc.cc.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Givhan wanted to dig into what Abloh had that others didn’t.
    Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement Norris said law enforcement did not know if there was a connection between Roley's desire to become a firefighter at one point and the shooting.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2025
  • Despite a desire for growth, one thing that will not change is the name of the market, which honors Zelazko’s mother and father-in-law.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • However, when choosing a hydrator, steer clear of thick, oil-rich products, which can be irritating to the torso area, stresses Dr. Bowe.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 June 2025
  • And the God, who is an omnipotent God, in many ways become impotent, because God has given us the gift to choose.
    Scott Simon, NPR, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • To keep our existing customers engaged and attract new ones, continuous product improvement is a must.
    Illia Smoliienko, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Reebok Women's Classic Az Legacy Sneakers Comfy walking shoes are a must, given how much walking a trip to Japan entails.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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