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
That is my birthday wish for all of us. Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025 Most of us live in the political center; most of us want a city that works, that prioritizes safety and that realizes that not every wish can be granted. Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Mayor Greenberg is grateful for Jennifer’s service and wishes her well in her next chapter. Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025 On Tuesday, the American president spoke to Modi by phone to wish him a happy birthday, detailing the exchange on Truth Social. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • Cities would also generally be prevented from imposing height and density limits based on how close a development is near a transit stop.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, there’s already a battle in Los Angeles over the $30 wage for workers at hotels and other hospitality businesses imposed by the city council.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Motivated largely by his desire to please his dead father, who bullied him into believing that toughness is the essence of manhood, Cade insists on pushing past his injury and pursuing his dream.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Golden retrievers, while intelligent and eager to please, are more commonly found retrieving game, assisting as service animals, or acting as family companions.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Judge Stark denied Blue Water’s request to extend the timeline, but did give the company access to the Citgo data room used in the process, which doesn’t entirely shut the door on Hernandez’s firm.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The police department did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment or to provide an update on the status of their investigation.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In broad daylight, a presidential henchman openly threatened to inflict financial pain in retribution for speech the leader doesn't like.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The charges include sentencing enhancements for the use of a deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 1780, John Adams wanted the Continental Congress to standardize English, but the proposal to mandate English was rejected.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The kickoff trend NFL officials have wanted the kickoff to return to relevance, and after modifications to the play last season and one final modification to the rules this offseason, the goal appears attainable.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Your creative abilities and desire for fun, games and enjoyment will all be enhanced, as well.
    Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
  • And that simple desire — to play at home — is precisely why Enfield Town exists.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg publicly disagreed with former Vice President Kamala Harris’s judgment in deciding against choosing him as vice president.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Castlery Fall Collection includes other sofas and recliners to choose from.
    Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In this area, planning a hike on the Lost Valley Trail is a must.
    Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Likewise, if referencing outside content, reaching out to the original author and asking for permission is a must.
    Roman Vrublivskyi, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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