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
Without it, families are more vulnerable to probate court delays, exorbitant legal fees, avoidable tax liabilities, and the state determining the distribution of our assets against our wishes. Jehan Crump‑gibson, Essence, 10 July 2025 But this summer, ALDI is making candle lovers’ wishes come true with a new trio of luxe jar candles that look (and smell) surprisingly similar to the high-end favorite. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2025
Noun
But the text of the bill does not spell out how onerous the reimbursement process will be for a tourist wishing to reclaim the $250 fee. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Those who don’t have black in their palette wish to be black. Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • The president said on Monday that the U.S. will impose 100% tariffs on countries that engage in trade with Russia if there is no peace deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • This surge follows new state laws imposing harsher penalties for school threats, including felony charges.
    Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Then the governor, seemingly trying to please the president, vetoed laws that assist Floridians in survival mode.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Two tiebreaking runs scored, a fact that pleased Altuve far more than another milestone in a career full of them.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Second District Judge John Judge later denied requests to drop the order.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2025
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters that Capitol Hill would act once lawmakers received a formal request from the Trump administration.
    Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • By pressing Kenyon into the hot pavement, officers violated his civil rights by utilizing excessive force and intentionally inflicting emotional distress, the lawsuit stated.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
  • And while inflicting these massive losses, the oil and gas industry has been pocketing huge profits, more than $1 trillion in the past decade alone.
    Jerry McNerney, Mercury News, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • This kind of long-term sustainability is important to admissions officers, who generally want to see students’ dedication and depth of involvement over time.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The two brothers haven’t seen eye to eye in years, and though King Charles reportedly wants to reconcile with his son—perhaps an aftereffect of his cancer journey, Prince William doesn’t seem as inclined to do so.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • At its core, this lifestyle aesthetic reflects a generation’s desire to return to a slower, simpler way of life.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Wheeler will not participate in the game, citing his desire to stay on routine to help the Phillies win in the second half.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Owners of heavy trucks can choose to only display their front license plate.
    Eleanor Nash July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
  • Again, open the camera screen in the app and choose to scan a negative.
    Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Finally, and perhaps most obviously, in today’s office world, drinks and snacks are a must.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • Pasta salad is always a must at the potluck, and this one has been around for a very long time.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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