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
  • In early 2025, the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Canadian lumber, pushing duties as high as 35%.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Trump has set a July 9 deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs, but trade talks have run into obstacles including discussions over duties on farm goods, steel and car parts.
    Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Then the governor, seemingly trying to please the president, vetoed laws that assist Floridians in survival mode.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Two tiebreaking runs scored, a fact that pleased Altuve far more than another milestone in a career full of them.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Monitor for continued anomalous requests — particularly from Tencent, AWS, and other cloud provider ASNs.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Florida Emergency Management and ICE did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 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
  • The Tarte Brows for Days Framing Gel was made for anyone who wants definition, fuller-looking brows, and serious hold (without stickiness) in a single swipe.
    Marie Lodi, Allure, 5 July 2025
  • No, Charlize really wanted to play with the helicopter bit, and Fred North [helped brainstorm].
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Multicolored mesh totes shine bright under the beam of The Row’s glowing aura, a brand that has a knack for turning unsuspecting staples into objects of mass desire no matter how boldly priced.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • This piece includes a lot of adornments and beautiful items, Yang places the gold finger at the bottom of the work to literally ‘point out’ the danger of placing value on the wrong things, this is King Midas’s finger - who famously was confronted with the dangerous reality of his desires.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • There weary shoppers or passersby can choose from more than 200 types of 100 percent Arabica specialty coffees from 35 countries.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
  • The Nashville Predators chose physical forward Brady Martin with the fifth pick.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Pasta salad is always a must at the potluck, and this one has been around for a very long time.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
  • Finally, and perhaps most obviously, in today’s office world, drinks and snacks are a must.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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