1
as in to crave
to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy
I want a new car so badly!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to need
to have as a requirement
that stray cat wants food and a clean place to sleep
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to wish
to see fit
do what you want
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to like
to wish to have
I want some ice cream for dessert, please
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in lack
the fact or state of being absent
the proverb that begins, "for want of a nail, the shoe was lost"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
there's a notable want of teachers in that rural school district
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in need
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
those children are in want of some good discipline
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in poverty
the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions
grew up in extreme want
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in failing
a defect in character
she's well-meaning and kind, but her besetting want is a complete lack of tact
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of want
Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
After all, Taurus wants something real, dependable and nourishing, whether that’s a reassuring conversation or perhaps even a smarter approach to finances.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
But none of Minnesota’s injuries diminished their want-to.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for want
Verb
At the end of the day, folks just want to see the sport of college football put in the best possible spot moving forward, which includes the coaches who are competing for spots, like Clark Lea.
—Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
After all, Taurus wants something real, dependable and nourishing, whether that’s a reassuring conversation or perhaps even a smarter approach to finances.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Noun
But that conversation can’t be about your wants.
—Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
But none of Minnesota’s injuries diminished their want-to.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for want
Recent Examples of Synonyms for want
Verb
-
Whiteness craves power and money and is unwilling to concede that power and money to non-whites.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
And that goes double for couples craving seclusion and understated luxury.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Most bills are subject to a filibuster and thus need 60 votes for passage — meaning Republicans must find some Democratic support in the 53-47 Senate.—
Mary Clare Jalonick,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
Nick Tsafos, partner-in-charge at EisnerAmper in New York, said lenders need to independently assess collateral, claims and risks across the full life of a loan, rather than relying solely on borrower representations.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Those wishing to stay anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip here.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
-
The university said Jerry Welsh Gymnasium would serve as a memorial space for students, teammates and members of the campus community wishing to leave flowers and messages in Smith’s honor.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Reliever Anthony Banda likes Morris’ personality and how he’s unfazed by the newness of his role.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Briceno likes a metallic wash of RMS Beauty Eye Polish with a glossier product tapped onto the center of the lid (try a dab of Gucci Luminous Face and Lip Gloss, or About Face Vinyl Effect Eye Gloss).—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
In England, the Women’s Super League’s commitment is attracting more and more talent to England, and at some point, Spain’s lack of investment in women’s football, not the club, will end up posing a problem for Barca — as seen in Arsenal’s triumph in the final over the Spanish side last year.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
The temporary restraining order has been extended due to the lack of service.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
21 May 2026
Noun
-
American officials also said Beijing would address rare earth shortages, although this was not mentioned in the corresponding statement from China.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
There is no shortage of choices, from fast-growing bushes for a privacy hedge, evergreen shrubs that provide year-round color in your yard, or flowering shrubs with gorgeous blooms in the spring or summer.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Helping Others Obtain Destiny — to reduce violence and poverty on Chicago’s South Side through mentorship, faith, workforce training and economic development initiatives.—
Greg Wehner , Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
The Netherlands has reduced old-age poverty to less than 3% through a universal pension paired with strong occupational plans.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Boston Herald,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
More bailouts would paper over the failings of federal regulation.—
Marc Scribner,
Washington Post,
13 May 2026
-
Equally important is practicing self-care and self-compassion, which, Broder says, means treating yourself with kindness instead of judgment and recognizing that your patterns developed as a way to cope, not as a personal failing.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/want. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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