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
That is my birthday wish for all of us. Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025 Most of us live in the political center; most of us want a city that works, that prioritizes safety and that realizes that not every wish can be granted. Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
That's so f***** up to wish on someone! Matthew Impelli, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 And not wish for things to happen. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • Cities would also generally be prevented from imposing height and density limits based on how close a development is near a transit stop.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, there’s already a battle in Los Angeles over the $30 wage for workers at hotels and other hospitality businesses imposed by the city council.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Each new company will be under pressure to cut costs to please Wall Street, reinforcing the very short-term thinking that got Kraft Heinz into trouble in the first place.
    Hank Cardello, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The character became shorthand for difficult-to-please bosses no matter the industry, and Streep earned one of her many Oscar nominations for her performance.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • La Luz del Mundo did not respond to a request for comment.
    Luc Cohen, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The request was met with boos from some Democrats who pointed out that a Colorado school shooting on the same day had not received the same ceremony.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Very few believe Russia was attempting to inflict serious damage, something that would almost certainly trigger a strong military response from NATO.
    Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Their shared belief in the importance of cinema breaks through the screen, contagiously inflicting those watching, striking a hopeful tone to cherish and admire that also prevents the film from appearing earnest and naive.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 1780, John Adams wanted the Continental Congress to standardize English, but the proposal to mandate English was rejected.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The kickoff trend NFL officials have wanted the kickoff to return to relevance, and after modifications to the play last season and one final modification to the rules this offseason, the goal appears attainable.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Your creative abilities and desire for fun, games and enjoyment will all be enhanced, as well.
    Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
  • And that simple desire — to play at home — is precisely why Enfield Town exists.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lauren chose a golden, super-cinched Schiaparelli gown, while Jeff wore a classic tuxedo.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This means regularly assessing your thinking skills, consciously choosing when to engage versus delegate mental tasks, and maintaining practices that keep your mind sharp.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, a tote that can hold a laptop is a must in our book these days for working on the go.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Tents Create Atmosphere, Not Just Shelter Tents are a must for outdoor parties, but not for the reason most think.
    Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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