wish 1 of 2

Definition of wishnext
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

Relevance
2

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
Ariana Grande Redefines Her Relationship With Fans What keeps the song from curdling into contempt is that Grande doesn't actually wish her audience away. Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 While speaking to The Straits Times, the victim's niece, who wished to be identified only as Mira, said that the family was gathered together for the holiday during the moment of the attack. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Noun
Bear asks, uncertain whether his wish has come true. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 May 2026 At Disney, the entire family gets to be part of this wish. Jon Youshaei, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • The House of Representatives again overrode Republican leaders to pass a bill that would authorize billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • The House's effort to circumvent leadership on support for Ukraine comes as bipartisan legislation in the Senate to impose new economic sanctions on Russia has languished for more than a year, with senators waiting for a green light from the White House.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • Even Adam’s irritable female boss, Suzie (Sasheer Zamata), hides under a people-pleasing mask.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • This party punch is sure to please any crowd.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Children’s books and board games, Wii and family films are available on request.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • And, just for good measure, his campaign confirmed the identity of Talarico’s girlfriend after Texas outlet Current Revolt published her name despite the campaign’s requests of other newsrooms to do the opposite.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Several analysts argue that an open Strait of Hormuz, even one partly controlled by Iran, would inflict less damage on the global economy than one that is closed.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • The more likely to be comfortable inflicting pain on the other side (and on fans)?
    Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Investors chasing Asia’s artificial intelligence rally may want to look beyond the region’s top-performing stock markets and consider Japan instead, according to Barclays.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • If completed, Midtown Station would sit near a transit center that the developers want to use to establish a transportation hub connecting people throughout the area.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Being bitten by Pirate Clark may have been a manifestation of Clark's deepest emotional wounds and desires — or maybe the monster just needed a meal.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
  • Each state may implement Clean Slate laws differently, depending on the balance between public safety and the desire for second chances.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Work with your veterinarian to choose what works best.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • Through Letterboxd, Gen Z is relying more on community reviews than those of official movie critics when choosing what movies to see in theaters.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • For breakfast, the Mai Tai flapjacks, served with Kula rum butter syrup, honey passionfruit foam, and island pineapple, are a must-order.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Replacing the filter is a must.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 3 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on wish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster