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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

The left’s only hope of picking up any seats appears to be in Florida and Texas, where Sen. Rick Scott and Cruz face strong Democratic challengers but are still widely favored to win. —

Alison Durkee, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 But a degree of democracy was the Convention’s only hope to preserve the republic. —

Jane E. Calvert / Made By History, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 The researchers could only hope that the next field season would turn up cranial and dental specimens. —

Donald C. Johanson, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 For brides who only want the drama of tulle for part of the night, Mark Ingram Collection released a unique strapless gown with a full tulle skirt that can be removed to reveal a Mikado sheath underneath. —

Shelby Wax, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for only wish/want/hope

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“Only wish/want/hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/only%20wish%2Fwant%2Fhope. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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