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

If the letter writer, or anyone else facing a similar situation, wishes to wait until after a relative has passed before having conversations about where the relative’s possessions will go, this might be a good option. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 The final vote came on Monday on a consent calendar, the place for matters considered so routine that no legislator even wishes to discuss them. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Now, after White delivers a prepared speech invoking hatred, fear mongering, divisiveness, love, grace, humility and Michelle Obama, the media reaction is that everyone really wishes outsiders would stop bringing non-basketball issues into the WNBA. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 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 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 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

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

The legislation imposes new work, eligibility and certification restrictions on Medicaid recipients that is projected to cut nearly $800 billion from Medicaid health insurance program for poor Americans over the next decade.

— Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Still, a traditional blockade risks escalation and imposes extensive military costs on China.

— Eugene Gholz, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of imposes

Noun

The swoons were often brought on by their own desires to capitalize on demand by putting up new plants.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026
And in essence, Kris undergoes her transition, venturing from being uncomfortable in her own skin and discovering how to surrender to erotic, sometimes dangerous desires.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of desires

Verb

Fortunately, Green’s film exists — and was not thrown into a little black hole by a bunch of accountants, never to be seen again — and can surely help cure any of the pain its backstory still inflicts on movie fans and Tunes geeks.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
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

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

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