wish 1 of 2

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
Those wishing to honor her memory can donate to the Camp Sloane YMCA Susan Senk Memorial Fund. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025 The Folsom and Clementine program mirrors restrictions adopted across Northern California with boaters wishing to launch having a red quarantine seal for at least 30 days after a mandatory inspection. Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
Two laws since passed by the Florida legislature to pre-empt local zoning regulations appeared to thwart those wishes. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2025 Of course, easier said than done, in terms of them actually accepting their daughter’s wishes — and, in Timothy’s case, accepting pretty much anything right now, given his own deep free fall. Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • Trump defended his decision to impose tariffs, saying that the trade situation with U.S. partners was unsustainable and that someone needed to act.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Pharmaceutical stocks fell earlier on Wednesday on Trump’s comments a day earlier that doubled down on plans to impose pharmaceutical-specific tariffs.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Both candidates will be forced to emphasize their conservative credentials in a bid to please Republican primary voters, which could provide an opening for their eventual Democratic challenger.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Chef Garofalo’s menu is clearly composed to please all of them, full of classic dishes like French onion soup and salade Niçoise along with American favorites like lobster rolls as well as steak au poivre and the Pierre burger.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Treasury Department didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The White House press office did not respond to a request for comment.
    Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Although the president has been unhappy with Powell for years, his most recent comments came after the Fed chair spoke at an event in Chicago and said the administration’s sweeping tariffs were larger than expected and that the lingering uncertainty could inflict lasting economic damage.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
  • And, in violation of the fundamental separation of power principles on which our Constitution is based, Trump has set himself up as prosecutor, judge, and jury, claiming the right to inflict punishment on specific groups or individuals with the stroke of his pen.
    James Speyer, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This is the rare situation where a team wanted a star player gone and not the other way around.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Those who don't want to risk missing out should start preparing for it now. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • It is not lost on senior figures that their desire to transform the club is much harder and slower than in the age before PSR, where the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City could accelerate progression with few spending limits.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Leadership have expressed concerns of the Japanese company’s desire to follow U.S. Steel’s business model and a lack of investment in union facilities.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There are three temperature settings to choose from, and the cooling option works similarly to an ice roller—offering cooling benefits that soothe swelling, refresh tired eyes, and refine the look of pores.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
  • To learn more about fast internet, download and upload speeds, and for tips on choosing a speed without paying too much, check out our guide below.
    David Brinkerhoff, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Safety glasses are a must, and hearing protection is essential when working with loud equipment.
    Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But if Mom can’t stand the thought of leaving the house without her hair in place, this beauty buy is a must.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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