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
For those who wish to plant and grow wild garlic themselves, seeds are also available to buy. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025 Several countries have toughened advisories for citizens wishing to travel to the U.S. under the Trump administration — warning them there could be greater scrutiny at borders after some foreign travelers were turned back. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
As if! had been the response to fans’ wishes for a Clueless followup with Alicia Silverstone as Cher — until now. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025 Trump’s third wish—the militarization of drug interdiction—must have been even more difficult for Sheinbaum to grant. David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • The company derives about 11% of its sales in China, according to RBC Capital Markets, putting it at risk from the growing trade conflict between Washington and Beijing, which have imposed blanket tariffs of 100% or more on each country’s goods.
    Bloomberg, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2025
  • As a result, experts have said a one-size-fits-all rate like what the White House imposed on steel, aluminum and cars would be devastating.
    Joseph Choi, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Glasner refused to change his team significantly for fear of negative consequences, but he would have been pleased by Kamada and Justin Devenny’s impact.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Google struggled to find a solution that pleased everyone.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With Zero Trust, businesses must verify every access request before granting entry, ensuring that security remains a top priority at every level of digital interaction.
    William Jones, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has said that evidence shows conversion therapies inflict harm on young people, including elevated rates of suicidal ideation.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
  • Former National Security Adviser John Bolton said the departure of Waltz from the national security adviser post is yet another blow to America’s global stature inflicted by Trump.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • For those who do not want to lock up that firearm, Michael suggests other interventions that can help prevent suicide.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Reflecting on their journey, the two want others to know that long-term relationships can thrive.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Several voiced a desire for neighborhood checkpoints staffed by the National Guard, which are currently in place to protect Pacific Palisades.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • Being honest, open and direct is key — don’t be afraid to express your heart’s desires.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • The wide availability of options allows men to choose the approach best suited to their individual needs.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Only in private did the longtime hedge fund manager work to persuade the president to place a partial pause on the rate hikes, a move that Trump ultimately chose when faced with the prospect of an imminent economic crisis.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For connoisseurs, the pairing menus are a must, blending storytelling and flavor with seamless precision.
    Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Parental monitoring a must, chief says Mooresville police conducted a similar sting in May 2024 called Operation Artemis, which led to 15 arrests.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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