wish 1 of 2

Definition of wishnext
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
Zhang Xiaoduan, head of business development services for south and central China at real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, noted a detachment between what authorities are wishing for and the reality on the ground. Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026 Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old is bottled at 90 proof, which is significantly lower than the 108 proof of the new 15-year-old expression (and some whiskey fans do wish the 18 was a bit stronger). Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 May 2026
Noun
In some cases, payments for long-term partners will be allowed, and is worth investigating to see whether certain documentation needs to be completed in advance, such as an expression of wish form. Marc Shoffman, TheWeek, 7 May 2026 Polls suggest Farage may get his wish. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • Although no criminal charges have been filed against Diaz, MLB’s personal conduct policy allows the league to impose significant discipline regardless of the legal outcome.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • The Council last year passed legislation imposing significantly more restrictions on outdoor dining compared to the loose regulations allowing restaurants to participate with few barriers during the pandemic.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Dickinson urged Jefferson to tone down the language, but even after revisions the document was strong enough to please Adams.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
  • Having failed to please Greene with her abstractions, Lovelace O’Neal applied the powder directly to her white canvases, covering it in black pigment that became a background to pastel squiggles.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • All rooms feature wheelchair-accessible doors, lowered peepholes, light switches, and closet door handles; a roll-in shower or tub with grab bars; and teletypewriters and telecommunications devices available upon request.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
  • Judge Nicholas Garaufis must still approve the request.
    Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The damage inflicted on the UAE by Iran’s cheap Shahed drones has served as a wake-up call for the small Arab nation, exposing a gap in its air defense network.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2026
  • The Americans had inflicted a significant cost on British forces, who suffered more than one hundred officers and a thousand regulars killed or wounded.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Some believe Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be the national bird because the eagle steals food from other birds, but Kochersperger said that’s a myth.
    Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • Losing this game is not an option if the Giants want their fans to pay attention past Halloween, even with Arizona rookie coach Mike LaFleur deploying rookie running back Jeremiyah Love.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • This sentiment aligns with Aries' desire to win in all areas of life.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Marketers, in particular, have boatloads of insight into the diverse desires and habits of target audiences.
    Alex Cooper, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Customers choose a few of the distillery’s popular bourbons, which are sold around the state now, as well as Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
    Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • Drivers can reduce their risk by comparing pumps for mismatched parts, using pumps near the store, and choosing tap-to-pay, mobile wallets, or credit cards instead of debit cards when possible.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • In areas with stiff regulatory requirements, human oversight is a must.
    Paul Goydan, Fortune, 13 May 2026
  • An absolute must for referees at corners is to have a line of sight to the goalkeeper.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wish. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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