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 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 The university then became responsible for remediation work and its daily 24/7 security before the crime scene was torn down against some of the victim families’ wishes ahead of a trial at the end of December 2023. — Kevin Fixler june 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026 The filing further accuses Jenner and her co-defendants of failing to adequately support the chef despite knowing about her health circumstances, mistreatment and wishes to remain employed. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 25 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

The question is whether Congress imposes clear rules on these deals before ad hoc dealmaking hardens into a permanent industrial policy run by the executive branch alone.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
If the administration imposes a new rule closer to the election, Logan said his office is ready to follow the law.

— Ana Ceballos Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of imposes

Verb

There's a mobile app (Android/iOS) and a desktop app (Windows only), but honestly, who wants more apps bloating their already bloated app ecosystem?

— Joe Salas July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
While no one wants a bad night's sleep, most of us experience occasional sleep disruptions stemming from familiar culprits like late-night doomscrolling, too much caffeine, stress or an inconsistent bedtime routine.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 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

Noun

The fans were standing for Auger-Aliassime, too, to pay their respects to the young fighter who gave them such a show.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 7 July 2026
Leo took a moment to pay his respects, looking over at the blue waters of the sea, a gust of wind blowing away his white zuchetto (skull cap).

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of respects

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

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