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

Examples 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

There’s a part of me that wished there was a bit more time of me trying and trying. —

Rachel Handler, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024 Ever wished your trusty stroller could magically power itself up those steep hills or through sandy beaches? —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024

Noun

The workers, part of the New York Times Tech Guild, specifically asked NYT readers not to play NYT games when the strike began on Monday, so the custom puzzle offers a way to play while still respecting the Guild’s wishes. —

Jay Peters, The Verge, 6 Nov. 2024 Not everyone sent their warm wishes to Trump, however. —

Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish

Verb

But the court found that narrow limits can be imposed to serve overriding state interests.

Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2024
Last month, the judge overseeing that case imposed a three-year injunction forbidding Google from a number of practices, such as the use of terms forcing app developers to use Google’s proprietary payment system for in-app billing.

Brian Fung, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024