Thesaurus results for WISH

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wish 1 of 2

verb

ˈwish

Definition of wish next

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

as in to please

to see fit you're free to sit wherever you wish

Synonyms & Similar Words

wish

2 of 2

noun

as in request

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

They are divided between those who want to travel and leave everything behind, and those who wish to travel but are too broke to do so and those who are already in Egypt and want to return, and those who will return to their homes no matter the conditions. —

Amal Murtaja, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 Those wishing to see Bao Li and Qing Bao can secure passes online at nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events. —

Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025

Noun

Talking to an attorney and drafting a will can help determine property division, guardianship, powers of attorney, health-care proxies and advanced directives to help protect the wishes and desires of their relationships and families. —

Julianna Bragg, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025 To Hancock, the larger field offers the sport’s best opportunity yet to extend its appeal while still honoring the wishes of its diehard consumers. —

Andy McCullough, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish

Verb

This would subject them to new restrictions that the regulator can impose under the DMCC to prevent anti-competitive behavior.

— Ryan Browne, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
The United States has imposed tough restrictions that are designed to prevent Chinese firms from buying or building their own cutting-edge computer chips required to train AI models.

— Matt Egan, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025