WANT Synonyms: 252 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'want' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of want are covet , crave , desire , and wish . While all these words mean "to have a longing for," want specifically suggests a felt need or lack. // wants to have a family

Q: When is it sensible to use 'covet' instead of 'want'?

While the synonyms covet and want are close in meaning, covet implies strong envious desire. // covets his rise to fame

Q: When is 'crave' a more appropriate choice than 'want'?

In some situations, the words crave and want are roughly equivalent. However, crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need. // craves sweets

Q: When might 'desire' be a better fit than 'want'?

Although the words desire and want have much in common, desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim. // desires to start a new life

Q: In what contexts can 'wish' take the place of 'want'?

The words wish and want can be used in similar contexts, but wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable. // wishes for permanent world peace

want 1 of 2

verb

ˈwȯnt

Definition of want next

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

as in to need

to have as a requirement that stray cat wants food and a clean place to sleep

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as in to wish

to see fit do what you want

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as in to like

to wish to have I want some ice cream for dessert, please

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want

2 of 2

noun

as in lack

the fact or state of being absent the proverb that begins, "for want of a nail, the shoe was lost"

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in need

a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful those children are in want of some good discipline

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as in poverty

the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions grew up in extreme want

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as in failing

a defect in character she's well-meaning and kind, but her besetting want is a complete lack of tact

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb want differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of want are covet, crave, desire, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

When is it sensible to use covet instead of want?

While the synonyms covet and want are close in meaning, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

When is crave a more appropriate choice than want?

In some situations, the words crave and want are roughly equivalent. However, crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When might desire be a better fit than want?

Although the words desire and want have much in common, desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

In what contexts can wish take the place of want?

The words wish and want can be used in similar contexts, but wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

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 want

Verb

It is anticipated that the new owners would want to make the property their own, building their own family compound. —

Laura Layden, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 There are consumers who only want to avoid high-risk ingredients, and there are those who want to avoid high-, moderate- and low-risk ingredients altogether. —

Noor Lobad, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025

Noun

Now, however, Whitmer has expressed a want to work with Republican leaders, including Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, for bipartisan cooperation on issues like the economy and infrastructure. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Then, conduct internal surveys to see what are key wants. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for want

Recent Examples of Synonyms for want

Verb

Snack on a handful of 365 by Whole Foods Chewy Protein Bites when craving something sweet.

— Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2025
The study also found that using screen time as a punishment often led children to seek out more mature content, which Nagata attributed to adolescents who are craving independence and may react negatively to restrictive measures.

— Julianna Bragg, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025