1
as in inflicting
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
2
as in wanting
to see fit
you're free to sit wherever you wish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wishing
That’s not to say that caregivers aren’t wishing for the best.
—
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026
Anyone wishing to be a vendor at one of the Chicago CASE markets must apply annually, and must be a producer or creator of natural and handmade goods.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
Most of the calls were short messages wishing him congratulations, but Vitello quickly learned La Russa intended this connection to be more than that.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
While wishing Elk Grove officials would prioritize more housing in the center of the city, Restmeyer recognizes that the community is moving forward with a lot of affordable developments.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishing
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026
Anyone wishing to be a vendor at one of the Chicago CASE markets must apply annually, and must be a producer or creator of natural and handmade goods.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
Most of the calls were short messages wishing him congratulations, but Vitello quickly learned La Russa intended this connection to be more than that.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
While wishing Elk Grove officials would prioritize more housing in the center of the city, Restmeyer recognizes that the community is moving forward with a lot of affordable developments.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wishing
Verb
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Heathcliff then returns, years later and bearing a mysterious windfall of newfound wealth, with the express goal of inflicting as much cruelty and pain as possible on the remaining members of the Earnshaw and Linton families.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
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But Kaszas’ ultimate destiny had nothing to do with inflicting — or receiving — bruises, contusions or broken limbs.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Blenkarn and Lim also spoke in an interview prior to the show of wanting to re-create the sensation of gathering around a television and passing a controller back and forth among family or friends while offering commentary on someone’s play style.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
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The Panthers went into those games not just wanting to win, but to bury the opposition.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Couple his extroverted on-pitch personality and his, in theory, imposing 6ft 4in (195cm) frame that can be equally languid and driving in style, Onana should have all the characteristics to play among the elite.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Last year, Republicans passed legislation to reduce spending on federal health programs and food assistance, largely by imposing work requirements on people receiving aid and by shifting certain costs onto the states.—
ALI SWENSON,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And no matter how formal or casual the gathering, every host is always looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer to start the party.—
Krissy Tiglias,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
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Ted Cruz certainly doesn’t care about pleasing everyone, and Billie Eilish and a whole bunch of musicians now clearly don’t either.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The school also posted a picture of the center, who reportedly has a 7-4 wingspan, palming two basketballs on the program’s website.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
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However, choosing fewer priorities and building momentum through small, consistent actions that actually stick is likely to have a better outcome than getting spread too thin.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Bélanger notes that most midlife women benefit from aiming for about 25 to 35 grams of protein per meal, and choosing meals in that range consistently helps support lean mass and metabolic health.—
Rita Templeton,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In August 2024, students stormed her official residence, smashing walls and looting its contents, forcing her to flee into neighboring India and exile.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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In 2022, gilt markets were shaken when then-Prime Minister Liz Truss announced a swathe of unfunded tax cuts — forcing an intervention from the Bank of England and leading to Truss’ resignation after just 44 days into the job.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wishing. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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