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

The company is adding a suite of new services that will let subscribers to a newsletter or podcast have a forum for comment and discussion, if the entrepreneur behind the venture wishes, or create other kinds of content in response. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 July 2026 In Hilderbrand’s ending, Hollis and Jack get back together, too, but her well wishes for Gigi are essential to her character’s new priorities. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 July 2026 The possible signing of Brazil midfielder Ederson could mean Carrick has an energetic midfielder who can play in matches when Mainoo is rested, or when the head coach wishes to play with a more aggressive press in midfield. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 9 July 2026 Their time ends naturally when they’re no longer employed by a team that wishes to sign them for an amount of money the athlete finds acceptable. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 July 2026 Community wishes Maguire said the important thing is that the city’s review process worked for the community. — Mars King, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026 The court's decision does not eliminate the agencies themselves but will allow them to be packed with only Republicans or only Democrats, if a president wishes, giving the White House more direct control over their functions. — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 29 June 2026 According to reports, the company wishes to extend operations at Ginna Clean Energy Center and Nine Mile Point Unit 1 reactors until at least 2049. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026 Toy Story 5 wishes to keep children in a state of dependency on their toys, just as the franchise itself seeks to keep its aging viewership in a state of perpetual nostalgia. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 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

If a judge agrees and imposes a restraining order, Paramount would be blocked from completing the deal for the time being, though the company would almost certainly appeal.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
Kansas also imposes a corporate surtax that Missouri does not.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of imposes

Verb

No one really wants to keep wearing their stiff, uncomfortable boots after arriving back at camp following a long, challenging day on the trail.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 July 2026
In his second season and his first summer league, Thiero wants to break into the rotation for the new-look Lakers.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of wants

Noun

This is a special week to focus upon your heart’s desires, creativity, and romantic world.

— Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
One model surfaced the work of a 1970s American philosopher — Harry Frankfurt, whose framework distinguishes first-order desires (wanting something) from second-order desires (wanting to want something).

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of desires

Verb

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
Instead of providing convenience, services and consumption, the regime only inflicts repression, intrusion and censorship.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 16 May 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

Spokespersons for Paxton’s campaign and office and the Texas Tech system did not immediately return requests for comment.

— Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026
The cities of Calexico, Half Moon Bay and Ridgecrest did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of requests

Noun

And if an enclosure isn't tightly secured, your chickens will escape and wander off without any regards for property lines.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
As well as the latest and greatest of the Adult Swim slate, Head of Development Cameron Tang spoke with regards to their shorts program Smalls and its role in developing new series and turning artists into series creators.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 26 June 2026