Thesaurus results for WISH

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wish 1 of 2

verb

ˈwish

Definition of wish next

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

Relevance

as in to please

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

wish

2 of 2

noun

as in request

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

It was reported that the woman had stolen items, but the store did not wish to prosecute. —

Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 This week, between 100,000 and 125,000 visitors are expected to land in town, some going to the game and others wishing to attend shoulder Super Bowl events; reveling in Cajun cuisine or Creole culture, or heading shot-first into party town temptations. —

Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025

Noun

The lawmakers are also expected to discuss Trump’s wishes for reconciliation. —

Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Jan. 2025 Grant Ellis’s wish for a wife just might have been granted. —

Staff Author, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish

Verb

As an example, federal law requires that employers make accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities, unless those accommodations would impose an undue hardship.

— Andrea Hsu, NPR, 9 Feb. 2025
Yes, but: Two federal judges have already ordered the Trump administration to lift freezes imposed on federal funding.

— Joann Muller, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025