only wish/want/hope
idiom
—used to stress that someone's wishing/wanting/hoping something is the simple truth
He only wished she'd told him sooner.
I only wish I knew what was going on.
He only wanted to help.
I only hope she can get over this.
Examples of only wish/want/hope in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Washington can only hope that the minimal time with the starting five doesn’t affect their quarterback or create communication issues early in the season.
—
Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
With political adversary French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) as her only hope of recovering her husband and his fellow hostages in French Guiana, Dalton must choose between her country’s honor and her family’s safety.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
The streaming service has new Day, Week and Weekend Pass tiers for those who only want Sling TV for a limited time, which is great for live sports.
—Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
The only hope of reversing it is for Congress to reassert them, by impeaching Trump.
—Chris Lehmann, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for only wish/want/hope
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Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
With political adversary French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) as her only hope of recovering her husband and his fellow hostages in French Guiana, Dalton must choose between her country’s honor and her family’s safety.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
The streaming service has new Day, Week and Weekend Pass tiers for those who only want Sling TV for a limited time, which is great for live sports.
—Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
The only hope of reversing it is for Congress to reassert them, by impeaching Trump.
—Chris Lehmann, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for only wish/want/hope
Cite this Entry
“Only wish/want/hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/only%20wish%2Fwant%2Fhope. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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