1
as in to impose
to offer (something fake, useless, or inferior) as genuine, useful, or valuable
despite my protestations, the dreaded position of club secretary was wished on me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to please
to see fit
you're free to sit wherever you wish
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in request
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 wish
Liza Esquibias, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
What are HOAs supposed to do when a resident claims another resident is harassing them?
HOA residents often wish to have the HOA leave them alone … except when a neighbor is bothering them.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025
John and Quiet race against sixteen other drivers for the prize of a single wish, with Arnett & Seanoa’s Sweet Tooth among the racers thirsty to fulfill their hearts’ desires.
—Lauren Coates, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wish
Verb
The Yellowjackets actress, 47, took to Instagram on Monday, Feb. 17 to wish her husband a happy 45th birthday.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
What are HOAs supposed to do when a resident claims another resident is harassing them?
HOA residents often wish to have the HOA leave them alone … except when a neighbor is bothering them.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
From Deadpool writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, and showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith (Cobra Kai), the show is a juvenile bloodbath with bits of mysticism, as Calypso genuinely has the power to grant wishes.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025
John and Quiet race against sixteen other drivers for the prize of a single wish, with Arnett & Seanoa’s Sweet Tooth among the racers thirsty to fulfill their hearts’ desires.
—Lauren Coates, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
-
The department said export control laws did not impose such restrictions.—
Luc Cohen,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Trump had promised to retake the Panama Canal and to possibly acquire Greenland, imposed a barrage of tariffs, fired more than a dozen inspectors general and federal prosecutors, suggested shutting down FEMA, halted global land-mine-clearance programs, and ordered migrants to Guantánamo Bay.—
Antonia Hitchens,
The New Yorker,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
There would be no way to run a private company with the prices and services of the USPS that would please shareholders.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
23 Feb. 2025
-
The approach this year doesn’t mean that the resulting legislation will please everyone or will automatically sail through the legislature, said Clifford, a Centennial Democrat and police officer.—
Seth Klamann,
The Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
President Donald Trump approved the state's request for an emergency disaster declaration for the historic flooding, the governor said, adding that rising rivers and snow this week remain a threat.—
Christopher Cann,
USA TODAY,
18 Feb. 2025
-
However, for Browns general manager Andrew Berry and a franchise at a quarterback crossroads, two things take precedence, both in the building and in external headlines: Myles Garrett’s trade request and the team’s ongoing quarterback search.—
Zac Jackson,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The toll inflicted by this week's cuts stretches beyond probationary workers and fellows.—
Alexander Tin,
CBS News,
15 Feb. 2025
-
There have been pure hammerings inflicted by a magisterial opponent, there have been vain attempts to keep the score down, there have been have-a-go failures and defensive mishaps.—
George Caulkin,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Not to have another baby, even though Eddie wants to.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Companies want expertise without long-term commitments, and that means leadership structures are evolving.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Same with any desire for more speed and playmaking.—
Ben Standig,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
-
In its ruling, the court said that Mr. Kimura, who was unemployed, had tried to kill the prime minister out of a desire to gain public attention.—
Martin Fackler,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
For all the doubt that antivaccine advocates, including RFK, Jr., have sowed around childhood immunizations, for all the political proclamations of conscientious objection and the freedom to choose, this child did not have a choice.—
Megha Satyanarayana,
Scientific American,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Shoppers can choose from a plethora of colors, including neutrals such as navy blue and brown, and pastel spring-ready hues such as sky blue, all of which are available in sizes twin to oversized king.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
That is a tangible measure of improvement, which is a must.—
James Pearce,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
-
For any nimble and growth-minded leader, this is a must.—
Eyal Lifshitz,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share