WISHES Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

wishes 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of wish

as in imposes

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 wants

to see fit you're free to sit wherever you wish

Synonyms & Similar Words

wishes

2 of 2

noun

plural of wish

as in desires

Related Words

as in respects

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 wishes

Verb

If Japan wishes to continue its goal of expanding its anime endeavors in the overseas market from one trillion to six trillion yen ($38 billion) by 2033, Japanese companies will need to make a concerted effort in order to promote anime in the United States. —

Kalai Chik, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 In a story set in the Great Depression, the Filipino-American novelist wrote courageously of the struggles of the migrant worker who wishes to live with dignity in a world that chooses not to see him as fully human. —

Time, 12 May 2026 In Lincolnwood, Ritu Uppal, the 60-year-old owner of a knickknack and home decor store, wishes decisionmakers would prioritize people who depend on malls more, rather than treat closures as business transactions. —

Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026 There is an option to connect to the public water system, if the next owner wishes and the home has a 1,000 gallon underground propane tank that is owned, not rented. —

James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026 Best wishes … What if the turn-down was for networking, rather than a job? —

Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026 In particular, Jim Cramer wishes management had better telegraphed its plans to book a $184 million goodwill impairment charge for its Navista and ION reporting unit, which is part of the MSO business. —

Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 May 2026 Whither the man who actually wishes to park their truck in her drive and stay awhile? —

Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026 While entry is free, anyone who wishes to camp or go off-roading or ATVing in the area will need to pay $5 per day or get a $30 season pass. —

Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

Noun

Since 1981, Disney has helped fulfill wishes with the organization for more than 175,000 children, or a wish an hour each day. —

Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wishes

Verb

Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that still imposes an inheritance tax–a tax on transfers from a person who has died to the people who inherit, with rates based on the category of recipient.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
New legislation imposes compliance costs, whereas simple interpretive guidance provides clarity.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 15 May 2026