want 1 of 2

1
2
3
4

want

2 of 2

noun

1
2
3
4
5

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
Even if the news is hard, your employees want and will appreciate the truth. Nikki Little, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Barkov would probably want that spread around to the rest of the team. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Noun
However, as viewers see in the new season, which came out on Thursday, the 25-year-old’s new exploration of her own wants and needs isn’t always easy. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 15 May 2025 That same culture remains, but those within the organization insist there have been tweaks along the way to keep up with the wants and needs of players. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for want
Recent Examples of Synonyms for want
Verb
  • The age of white-washed, super scant, and industrial spaces are behind us—designers are craving excitement, color, life, stories within interior design.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 May 2025
  • The entire ending of the game was wild, and now people are craving more drama from this series.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Judge Tony Baumgartner dictated additional terms, stating that the court needed to be aware of where Brown resided.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • What leaders need to know Although leaders' insistence on achieving perfection may be well-intentioned, the challenge lies in conveying their high standards in a constructive, yet possibly compassionate, manner.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Ahead of the special election for Newport-Mesa Unified School District trustee, the Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent the Area 5 seat.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 25 May 2025
  • As for criticism, some customers noted that the cushions show dirt quickly due to their light color, while others wished for more thoughtful additions like cushion ties.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Celestial Park is an original concept world, which Universal likes to say puts the park back into theme park.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • In this case, changes in taste doesn’t mean going from liking sweater vests to going all Boho-chic.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • After two days exploring Barcelona, Spain, Napton was surprised at the lack of political discourse.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Morehouse graduates applaud the honor Part of the tragedy of Hubert’s lynching was a lack of awareness surrounding his story among Morehouse graduates until only recently, several alumni said.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • At the time Volkswagen was the first automaker to warn of a global chip shortage.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Compounding the technical issues are persistent staffing shortages.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • It’s been 14 years since the Census Bureau began issuing reports on poverty that factored in the cost of living.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Those who qualify have income at or below four times the federal poverty level of $32,150 for a family of four or have medical debt that is 5% or more of their income.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • If this story were a parable, our hero would likely suffer some ignoble end as punishment for his moral failings.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 13 May 2025
  • In this newest cover-up, Clooney repeats his film’s original failing — its nostalgic salute to the power of electronic media suasion.
    Armond White, National Review, 30 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/want. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on want

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!