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
Relevance
2
as in wanting
to see fit
you're free to sit wherever you wish
Synonyms & Similar 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 wishing
Willis said a municipality wishing to have a commercial franchise must spend three years gathering data.
—
Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Almost incidentally, the reader comes to realize that Klara’s every thought and action convey her non-humanity, leaving the reader wishing humans could be as thoughtful and good as Klara.
—The Know, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026
That includes increasing ground transportation options for American citizens wishing to leave Israel.
—Mariam Khan, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Towns and cities wishing to dispose of snow in water must first notify DEEP’s Water Permitting and Enforcement Division.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishing
Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Almost incidentally, the reader comes to realize that Klara’s every thought and action convey her non-humanity, leaving the reader wishing humans could be as thoughtful and good as Klara.
—The Know, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026
That includes increasing ground transportation options for American citizens wishing to leave Israel.
—Mariam Khan, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Towns and cities wishing to dispose of snow in water must first notify DEEP’s Water Permitting and Enforcement Division.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wishing
Verb
-
Sanders was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and served with outstanding warrants for misdemeanor larceny and second-degree trespass, the sheriff’s office said.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Trump, though quick to extol the damage that the military is inflicting on Iran, has still not laid out what goals would have to be accomplished to declare victory and end the American air campaign.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Travis Barker has worked with them, and every song is a Blink 182-level, class clown anthem about hot teachers and not wanting to leave your bedroom.—
Deborah Sengupta Stith,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The city is also ripe for residents wanting to live somewhere that embraces progressive urban design and planning.—
Amelia Mularz,
Architectural Digest,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Countries around the world have scrambled to cope with the fallout of the energy shock from the Iran war, imposing measures from fuel export bans, loosening refining standards, and even getting workers to climb stairs instead of taking elevators.—
Lim Hui Jie,Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Sontag’s childhood friend is ninety-five and in fine health, his eyes bright, his lampshade mustache imposing.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The provocative, genre-defying horror flick boasts unhinged gore, a delightfully dark sense of humor, Madigan as the creepiest aunt ever, and a crowd-pleasing finale.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Early reviews suggest a crowd-pleasing spectacle and likely box-office juggernaut.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Follow your interest, then translate insight into action by choosing a useful resource and mapping clear steps with someone who’s already traveled this path.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
At the end of Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, an aging Newland Archer, who as a young man broke his own heart by choosing propriety over love, tells himself that the mark of the modern era is that everyone is too busy to care about their neighbors’ standing.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This has raised the cost of materials for jewelry brands, forcing many to increase prices.—
Andrea Bossi,
Vogue,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Internal pressure within Cuba, including fuel shortages and economic instability, could also play a role in forcing reforms.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wishing. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
