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noun

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb want differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of want are covet, crave, desire, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

When is it sensible to use covet instead of want?

While the synonyms covet and want are close in meaning, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

When is crave a more appropriate choice than want?

In some situations, the words crave and want are roughly equivalent. However, crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When might desire be a better fit than want?

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

desires to start a new life

In what contexts can wish take the place of want?

The words wish and want can be used in similar contexts, but wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

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 want
Verb
Money talks and UPenn doesn’t want to lose their federal funding. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025 Many sleep experts like brain scientist, Jill Bolte Taylor, recommend sleeping until your brain wants to get up. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
The costs of wants, needs, and saving money aren’t that high everywhere, however. Addy Bink, The Hill, 4 June 2025 The want to end their city’s 35-year Cup drought and win for all of Canada. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for want
Recent Examples of Synonyms for want
Verb
  • Not just taxing what people crave, but selling it—and creating the market if need be?
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The transfer breakthrough Eddie Howe has been desperately craving after multiple setbacks — Bryan Mbeumo, Dean Huijsen and Joao Pedro among them — was at risk.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • By July, a garden in full bloom may need some encouragement to keep its beautiful flowers in supply.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • In the Nationals’ immediate future, the team will need to name permanent fixtures at general manager and manager.
    Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Two people said those affected do not wish to be named in the final report.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 July 2025
  • If either of Burnett’s sons wishes to serve, they should absolutely be encouraged to run.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Those hoping for a bling-laden interior won’t like the Kia K4.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
  • The park is also known for its beautiful beach area with picnic tables and grills, where groups like to settle in for the day on weekends.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The lack of responsibility is built into the City Charter.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • President Donald Trump toured the flood site Friday, while officials faced mounting criticism over the lack of emergency warnings about quickly rising waters that killed at least 120 people, including over two dozen at an all-girls summer camp.
    Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Californians feel the effects of the shortage of at least 3 million homes in their pocketbooks.
    Laura Friedman, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
  • Raising a dam also raises the risk of downstream water shortages, ecological disruption, and international tension.
    Joe Salas July 06, New Atlas, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Despite abundant natural wealth, six out of 10 Liberians live in poverty, according to the World Bank, and Liberia is among the world's 10 poorest nations.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
  • In some cases, like Texas Tech, it’s been the rich lifting their favorite school out of poverty.
    Jason Kirk, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • An independent inquiry into Wallace’s conduct on MasterChef will be published imminently, while next week, the BBC is expected to release an internal review into the failings that led to documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, being narrated by the child of a Hamas minister.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 July 2025
  • This is the 10th fine the FCA has imposed on a bank for similar failings with financial crimes in the last four years.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/want. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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