1
as in to crave
to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy
I want a new car so badly!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to need
to have as a requirement
that stray cat wants food and a clean place to sleep
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to wish
to see fit
do what you want
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to like
to wish to have
I want some ice cream for dessert, please
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in lack
the fact or state of being absent
the proverb that begins, "for want of a nail, the shoe was lost"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
there's a notable want of teachers in that rural school district
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in need
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
those children are in want of some good discipline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in poverty
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
grew up in extreme want
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in failing
a defect in character
she's well-meaning and kind, but her besetting want is a complete lack of tact
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of want
Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
But council members wanted to consider different budget balancing solutions than those offered by Smith.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
But none of Minnesota’s injuries diminished their want-to.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for want
Verb
Our customers want spaces that reflect their values as much as their style.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
But council members wanted to consider different budget balancing solutions than those offered by Smith.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Noun
But that conversation can’t be about your wants.
—Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
But none of Minnesota’s injuries diminished their want-to.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for want
Recent Examples of Synonyms for want
Verb
-
The Pizza Plate is a reusable metal tray that uses heat retention to re-crisp the bottom of your slice, restoring that golden, crunchy crust every pizza lover craves.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
-
Everyone in my family is a fan of bread studded with salty briny olives, and this recipe takes that craving a step further, said Joe Woodhouse.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
While this puts a literal damper on vacation plans, locals celebrate this time of year, as it is needed for keeping the lush foliage and crops at their best.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 May 2026
-
Who needs pretty when the food tastes this good?—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
And the Lakers — loaded with trade ammunition and cap space and forever wishing on star players — are going to be expected to make a play.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Jordan—who seemed more fish than girl, her bobbed blonde hair tinted green as old pennies—walked with a confidence that Ana wished for her own daughter.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The Crusaders do not like to share.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
Group of beginners, hobbyists and professionals who like to take and share photos.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The guard admitted he was surprised by the lack of questions about his medical status but voiced confidence that the issue would not continue into his NBA career.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
-
The defense has detailed the lack of physical evidence — no DNA or blood was found on Murdaugh or any of his clothes, even though the killings were at close range with powerful weapons that were never found.—
Jeffrey Collins,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
There won’t be a shortage of suitors, if Alvarez is made available.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in the loss of nearly a billion barrels of oil, with the shortage growing worse every day the sea lane remains closed.—
Azhar Sukri,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Currently there are 80 federal welfare and poverty assistance programs in place.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
-
For many, the boom has been a lifeline in a region with some of the highest poverty rates in Mexico.—
Claudia Rosel,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Not the individual failing, not even the generational one, but the architecture of permission that organized the emotional lives of everyone within its radius.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
-
The previous Lord of the Flies adaptations, whatever their failings otherwise, were similarly showcases for casting discoveries.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/want. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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