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
Ariana Grande Redefines Her Relationship With Fans What keeps the song from curdling into contempt is that Grande doesn't actually wish her audience away. Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 While speaking to The Straits Times, the victim's niece, who wished to be identified only as Mira, said that the family was gathered together for the holiday during the moment of the attack. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Noun
The comment section was full of mostly good wishes for the baby, who has an adorable mop of blond curls. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 And also, the way that the wish is impacting Bear is ultimately horrific. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • Millions of people without proper documentation came in, imposing severe hardships on border communities, straining city budgets, and overwhelming public services.
    Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • The California Environmental Quality Act requires agencies to complete a report on the additional carbon dioxide emitted from more drivers on the road before imposing the return-to-office order, the union said.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Still, a gas tax suspension remains a go-to solution for vote-maximizing politicians eager to please their constituents.
    Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • Also new at this Cote is a luxe japchae, whose ingredients are wheeled in on a beautiful cart bearing little bowls—noodles, vegetables julienned to pleasing uniformity, and a frankly enormous portion of sweet Alaskan-king-crab meat.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Children’s books and board games, Wii and family films are available on request.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • And, just for good measure, his campaign confirmed the identity of Talarico’s girlfriend after Texas outlet Current Revolt published her name despite the campaign’s requests of other newsrooms to do the opposite.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Furthermore, recent high-profile attacks are evidence that bad actors continue to target large, multinational suppliers whose outages inflict maximum financial damage across their extensive customer base.
    Jim DeLoach, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • Aircraft loss, bases struck, and very uncertain reports on the amount of damage to military targets that the military has actually been able to inflict.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • San Diego still wants to build through pressure, circulate the ball, involve the goalkeeper and create superiority through the midfield.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • The key to making housing more affordable is both building smaller starter homes that people can afford, and changing preferences so people want to live in them.
    Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Being bitten by Pirate Clark may have been a manifestation of Clark's deepest emotional wounds and desires — or maybe the monster just needed a meal.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
  • Each state may implement Clean Slate laws differently, depending on the balance between public safety and the desire for second chances.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Work with your veterinarian to choose what works best.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • Through Letterboxd, Gen Z is relying more on community reviews than those of official movie critics when choosing what movies to see in theaters.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • The ultra-thick slice of banana bread with creamy-tangy passionfruit butter is a must.
    Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 May 2026
  • Keeping Thomas is a must in that discussion.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 26 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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