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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
One year after revealing their relationship, Rapp wished her girlfriend a happy 26th birthday on Instagram with the sweetest photo strips. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026 Davie’s successor will inherit an organization wrestling with its place in a media ecosystem dominated by overseas tech giants, as well as battling enemies closer to home, with conservative politicians and media proprietors wishing to see the BBC diminished during charter renewal. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
While Constantine died before the filming of 2023’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, the plot of the movie paid tribute to the actor, revolving around a family trip to Greece intended to honor his character’s last wish. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026 Whether Jacobs, Williams and Love get their wish remains to be seen. Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wish
Verb
  • But encountering the layers of censorship and self-censorship that impose themselves on an Arabic text in English astonished me yet again.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
  • No matter the lens, the novel seems to resist it, always protruding beyond the boundaries imposed upon it.
    Amir Ahmadi Arian, The Dial, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Few industries have been as brazen in their capitulation as Big Tech, which has dismantled its content-moderation systems to please the current administration.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The volume was eventually reprinted in the Modern Library—an accolade that greatly pleased its author.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Joseph has six different head-coaching interview requests as of Friday afternoon.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2026
  • However, the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility can review a government device upon request.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Adding to that, the player inflicting the most damage was former Brentwood standout Shalen Sheppard.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Advertisement Think smart regulation, not more regulation The dealmaking bonanza on Wall Street since Biden Administration officials left office offers a reasonable gauge of the damage inflicted when regulatory agencies are captured by ideology.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The same doesn't apply to any amphibians who might want to join her in the night, however.
    Phil Boucher, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
  • And the shorter length is ideal for petite shoppers or those who just want to let their ankles breathe while out and about.
    Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Prosecutors reject that claim, saying the decision was based on the strength of the evidence, Utah law and a desire to curb speculation and misinformation in a case that immediately drew national and international attention.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Kutcher and Kunis have previously been open about their desire to keep their children's lives private.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
  • There are 23 colors to choose from, plus petite sizes S–XXL.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For live music, The Empty Bottle is a must.
    Hannah Howard, Midwest Living, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Renegar says that mousse and a vent brush are musts to add volume to the hair and turn it under with some bend.
    Elise Tabin, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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