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

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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

Despite the claims of any number of charlatans who prey on the American brand of cuddly benighted ignorance, the universe will not manifest an alternate reality for anyone who simply wishes for it with sufficient longing. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The Board is most grateful for Ynon’s eight years of transformational leadership, and wishes him every success in his new role. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 If the current American government, within international legal frameworks, wishes to reach an agreement, fine. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026 But if that doesn’t occur as the state wishes, then the dispute could head to the Public Employment Relations Board to intervene. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 That’s the part of Hope Florida Bullard wishes more people understood — not the $10 million that made the headlines, but the agency underneath it, and the families who depend on it. — Sharmila Venkatasubban, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026 Leaving the lavatory smelly for the next passenger There’s another lavatory habit Peters wishes travelers would adopt—and this one could earn you some silent appreciation from whoever is waiting outside the door. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026 While disagreement has always been baked into the premise of The View, Hostin wishes more of those conversations happened away from television too. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 School staff cannot lie to parents — including matters that a student wishes to conceal from their parents. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 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

Berkowicz, 65, opposes Illinois’ sanctuary-state law and believes the state imposes too many mandates on localities.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
The judgment imposes no criminal fine, although Roberts must pay a mandatory $100 assessment.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of imposes

Verb

Tinderholt wants to lower property taxes, fully fund law enforcement, audit the budget, grow the economy and protect election integrity.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
Underdog wants to give you even more joy with an offer to play $5 on the game and earn a $10 bonus bet.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of wants

Noun

By the end, Bobby begins to have his own wants, curiosities and desires, Luster said — all filtered through a desperation to help and connect with Dina.

— Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Campaigns have never been more subject to the desires of the wealthy.

— David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of desires

Noun

In some respects, Mann’s production company Dhar Mann Studios is starting to resemble the legacy studios whose foundations are being shaken by creators like him.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Baxter says once word of the tragedy spread through Turlock, about 50 children showed up on bikes to pay their respects Saturday night.

— Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of respects

Verb

The betrayal Murray inflicts on Tremblay’s Kaczynski is compelling, even as the film presses it into service as an explanation for every horror that followed.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026
The more suffering Russia inflicts on Ukrainian civilians, the more Europe invests in Ukraine’s defense and its own.

— MICHAEL KIMMAGE, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 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

The Biden administration designated Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization in 2024 following requests from Republicans who said the group’s members have penetrated the southern border.

— Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
The California secretary of state's office did not respond to requests for comment.

— SAFIYAH RIDDLE, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026