wish 1 of 2

Definition of wishnext
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

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wish

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb wish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of wish are covet, crave, desire, and want. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

When can covet be used instead of wish?

The meanings of covet and wish largely overlap; however, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

In what contexts can crave take the place of wish?

While the synonyms crave and wish are close in meaning, crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When would desire be a good substitute for wish?

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

desires to start a new life

Where would want be a reasonable alternative to wish?

The words want and wish can be used in similar contexts, but want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

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
Verb
Intense heat in the South and West The West Coast might be wishing for rain. Kathryn Prociv, NBC news, 23 June 2026 The patriots are those who love America enough to wish to see her as a model for mankind. Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Noun
Saturday’s result — and the way it was delivered — certainly suggests the more optimistic part of Parkhurst’s wish-casting is possible. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 15 June 2026 The wish soon comes true, but with unintended consequences because Nikki becomes dangerously obsessed with Bear to the point where things turn deadly. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • My eyes darted back and forth, trying to grasp the imposing silhouette in its entirety.
    Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • The filing, submitted in the San Diego County Superior Court, seeks a judge’s order to condemn and destroy the embargoed kratom products, halt ongoing unlawful manufacturing and impose civil penalties.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • The post, and the idea of them as a couple, did not please the Bravo faithful.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 15 June 2026
  • Creators Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest lend an auteur’s touch to the material, creating something that stands on its own while still bearing some of the MCU’s crowd pleasing flourishes.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Furthermore, ElAttrache wrote a letter supporting McGregor’s request for a therapeutic use exemption from UFC drug policies.
    Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Law enforcement made that request as part of their efforts to solve the case.
    John Miller, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The finding, drawn from a study linking survey data on borrower beliefs to credit bureau records, puts a precise number on the financial damage inflicted by years of government policy whiplash on student debt.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 17 June 2026
  • That would be a huge win for polluters, worth $60-$200 million, and they would not be held accountable for the damage already inflicted on us.
    Chris Hartmann, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The California Fair Political Practices Commission said 34 of the violations were for failing to report on time that Newsom and his staff directed outreach from companies and foundations that wanted to help after the Los Angeles wildfires to the California Fire Foundation.
    Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Chiron moving into Taurus wants to reshape your habits.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Daphne Koller, Coursera co-founder, reflected on her early programming days with BASIC, driven by the intellectual beauty of mathematical models and a desire for real-world impact.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • These thin sheets of lead containing scratches of supernatural desires were used to sway a court case, target a rival, or even a lover, as per Archaeology News.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Manhattan matchup The two super PAC networks have largely shied away from producing ads that mention AI and have mostly chosen to avoid competing against each other in the same races.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • The comedian, 38, best known for his role as the acerbic gay best friend Elliott Goss in HBO’s Search Party, chose our meeting place to take advantage of the balmy late-May weather and to say goodbye to the neighborhood.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • However, taking responsibility is a must to properly protect a claim.
    Will Jones, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • And of course, a roomy beach bag that can hold your essentials in style is simply a must.
    Natalie Hammond, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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