WISHES Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

wishes 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of wish

as in imposes

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

as in wants

to see fit you're free to sit wherever you wish

Synonyms & Similar Words

wishes

2 of 2

noun

plural of wish

as in desires

Related Words

as in respects

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 wishes

Verb

Psychoanalytic concepts—projection, attachment, wishes and wish fulfillment—loom large. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Julia and Emma — who is the daughter of the Ticket to Paradise actress’ brother, Eric Roberts — have a close bond, referencing each other in interviews over the years and exchanging birthday wishes and sweet posts on social media over the years. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026 The compliments, the birthday wishes, and the occasional offers to become her stepdad followed. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026 Research shows that one in two girls who quit sports has been criticized for their body type, and Penso wishes her presence on the pitch can challenge those perceptions. — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 July 2026 Brown’s colleagues on the council and other public figures sent well wishes Thursday in the comments of her social media post. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 23 July 2026 His next album, SKALA, named after his family dog, featured a guest verse from grime legend D Double E, a key cosign and mentor who still texts Songer well wishes on Christmas morning. — Sam Davies, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026 Lohan went on to express her love for the 3-year-old, highlighting some of his best qualities, and share some well wishes for her son’s future. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 18 July 2026 Another shopper, Jane Mecklenburg, 58, of Lincoln Square, wishes grocery stores would do more to help customers understand which foods, if any, pose the greatest risk. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Noun

Since 1981, Disney has helped fulfill wishes with the organization for more than 175,000 children, or a wish an hour each day. — Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wishes

Verb

Failing to update one's self-concept imposes significant costs on organizations, as teams navigate a leader's blind spots.

— Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
The law imposes prison sentences of five to 10 years for compelling a person to present as transgender against their will.

— Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

Definition of imposes

Verb

In the end, the young cockroaches proved so resilient because Modi’s regime of control had no punishment or humiliation to threaten them with beyond what the system already inflicts on them every day.

— Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
The media usually get Black femicide wrong Another problem surrounding intimate partner homicide inflicts its harms after death.

— Sativa Banks, The Conversation, 4 June 2026

Definition of inflicts

Verb

Coastal decor darling Serena & Lily brings you the Pacifica modular collection to suit any configuration that pleases you.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2026
For something more substantial, Ramsey’s pleases both vegetarians and meat eaters with options such as BBQ brisket sandwich with homemade onion straws or Zucchini Noodle Thai Bowl.

— Sarah Miller, Midwest Living, 29 Apr. 2026

Definition of pleases

Noun

This data empowers stronger salary negotiations, enabling employees to support their requests with market evidence and demonstrated impact.

— Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Hernandez, who served as Dublin’s mayor between 2020 and 2024, did not return multiple requests for comment on this story Thursday.

— Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of requests

Noun

Argentina’s helter-skelter run to the final will come up against its greatest test and their ferocious mentality won’t quite be enough against a better team in all regards.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Rivian is just getting started in regards to the R2 and its over-the-air software updates.

— Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026