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noun

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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

Examples 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
Read Next National Shelter wanted ‘sweet’ dog sisters to be adopted together. Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025 Some students are more interested in applying to smaller companies, including those who want to go into arts and design, communications and computer science. Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
And making a decision based on your wants and needs, instead of what society and your biology tells you, is important. Tess Murphy and Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2024 About 43% want year-round standard time, 32% want permanent daylight saving time and 25% want to stick with the status quo, an October 2021 Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found. Joey Garrison, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for want 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for want
Verb
  • Visit The Row Overland Known for its premium sheepskin and leather, Overland has become a top choice for those who crave classic luxury with a rugged twist.
    Julie Loffredi, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • According to sources consulted by The Athletic, some players complained about the lack of guidance tactically and in training sessions, craving more detail.
    Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But the city needs to let the NTSB investigation play out without interference.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Still, the Blue Jays would need to go find a true closer to pitch the ninth inning.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • For those who wish to support wildfire relief efforts, Beyoncé encouraged fans to visit BeyGOOD’s page.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Students who wish to pursue STEM at the highest level should begin strategizing now in order to make the most of the summer months for their college applications.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Panthers had to give up what turned out to only be a fifth-round pick to get Mayfield, who like Darnold would be playing on an expiring contract.
    Charlotte Observer, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The TikTok clip amassed over 7.8 million views and 2.5 million likes within three days of posting.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Earlier this season, Kody and Robyn got into an intense argument about Kody's lack of presence in his kids' lives.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The Change Healthcare attack was blamed, in part, on the lack of such a control.
    Tina Reed, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The history makes clear that looming mineral shortages ought not be a cause for concern.
    Duncan Money / Made by History, TIME, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The criticism of MoDOT’s response comes as the state agency has warned about staffing shortages and is short hundreds of snow plow drivers.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In recent years, Puerto Rico has faced the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, earthquakes, ongoing power grid failures, one of the highest poverty rates in the US, and an economic crisis.
    Lola Mendez, Architectural Digest, 15 Jan. 2025
  • In no state do TANF benefits reach even 60% of the poverty level for a family of three.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • One of the worst failings of a manager entails asking for feedback and then entirely ignoring it.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
  • But the ultimate failings of each of these franchises can be traced directly to dreadful decisions from above.
    Mike Jones, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near want

Cite this Entry

“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/want. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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