Synonyms of wish

wish 1 of 2

verb

ˈwish 

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

• impose
• inflict
• pass off
• foist
• palm
• force
• palm off
• fob off
• entail
• misrepresent
• forge
• distort
• falsify
• fake
• counterfeit

2

as in to please

to see fit

you're free to sit wherever you wish

Synonyms & Similar Words

• please
• want
• choose
• will
• like
• desire
• crave
• long (for)
• covet
• die (for)
• pine (for)
• fancy
• hunger (for)
• yearn (for)
• itch (for)
• decide
• sigh (for)
• thirst (for)
• lust (for or after)
• resolve
• hanker (for)
• ache (for)
• repine (for)
• pant (after)
• determine

wish

2 of 2

noun

as in request

Related Words

• request
• desire
• must
• want
• requirement
• demand
• need
• claim
• stipulation
• requisition
• dun
• essential
• ultimatum
• importunity
• drive
• imposition
• basic
• provision
• condition

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

Recent Examples of wish

Verb

Golding wishes more people would enroll in hospice as soon as they’re diagnosed with a terminal illness. — Michael Collins, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

In fact, many of the flats that follow bring all the polish of your favorite heels—without leaving you wishing you’d worn them instead. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2026

Noun

Rituals and wish-making The ultimate goal of Buddhist practitioners is enlightenment, or nirvana – freedom from the cycle of birth and death and suffering. — Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026

If the defense gets its wish, Anthony will have another shot at defending himself in court. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing wish

• wish (for)