1
as in inflicting
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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2
as in wanting
to see fit
you're free to sit wherever you wish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wishing
However, new technologies may offer more choice to individuals wishing to view movies with captioning in the theater.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
Shu can’t stop wishing aloud that her friends’ good fortune was actually her own.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Equity cannot mean handing someone a license and wishing them luck in a billion-dollar industry.
—Sonya M. Harper, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
So here’s wishing Charley the best now and always!
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishing
Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
Shu can’t stop wishing aloud that her friends’ good fortune was actually her own.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Equity cannot mean handing someone a license and wishing them luck in a billion-dollar industry.
—Sonya M. Harper, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
So here’s wishing Charley the best now and always!
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wishing
Verb
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Sacramento police had arrested Adger on suspicion of battery, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and inflicting undue suffering or pain on a dependent.—
Darrell Smith
May 1,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
-
His current preferred strategy, though, is inflicting maximum economic pain, sources familiar with the talks told CNN.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The village wanting to put its electrical and cable lines underground brought the total to a hefty $90 million.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
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In the report’s telling, by September 2028, investors have collectively stopped wanting to buy American debt at prevailing yields.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Kim, who took power in 1946, reframed Christianity as a symptom of American imperialism and repurposed its rituals with himself at the center, instituting requirements for ideological activities and imposing harsh punishments on those who failed to show sufficient devotion.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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The Wekiva River Parkway and Protection Act of 2004 authorized construction of a beltway around Central Florida, also known as State Road 429, while imposing strict protections for the environmentally fragile Wekiva River basin.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
Verb
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His smarts and willingness to do the dirty work are coach-pleasing qualities.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Lululemon's choice of Heidi O'Neill as CEO isn't pleasing everyone.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Of the billionaires who line up on the Messeplatz for the First Choice VIP opening at Art Basel, few would be out of place palming handshakes and quaffing Champagne at the Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Belvédère.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
20 Mar. 2026
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The school also posted a picture of the center, who reportedly has a 7-4 wingspan, palming two basketballs on the program’s website.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For Suggs, choosing basketball over football was an excruciating decision.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
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By choosing sustainable options and participating in recycling programs, pilgrims can ensure that their journey of faith also respects the sanctity of the natural world.—
FMG Studios,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Things quickly changed, however, as Orlando’s defense stopped forcing turnovers and its offense came to a halt.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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The staff union picketed outside the SAG-AFTRA building, where those negotiations were held for the first two weeks, blocking entrances to the parking garage and forcing negotiators to cross a picket line to get inside.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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No foisting me on another mother too overwhelmed to notice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
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In the vein of each family dwelling, the village courtroom becomes an amphitheater of sorts, foisting upon its participants a sense of outward performance, while simultaneously exposing them to the elements.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wishing. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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