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noun

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb want differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of want are covet, crave, desire, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

When is it sensible to use covet instead of want?

While the synonyms covet and want are close in meaning, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

When is crave a more appropriate choice than want?

In some situations, the words crave and want are roughly equivalent. However, crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When might desire be a better fit than want?

Although the words desire and want have much in common, desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

In what contexts can wish take the place of want?

The words wish and want can be used in similar contexts, but wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

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 want
Verb
As such, The Studio is shrill and talky, its chaotic scenes sparked by random performers like Charlize Theron, Zac Efron, Olivia Wilde and Sarah Polley, all of whom want something from Remick. Peter Bart, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 The music is liberating, the sound of a new world, which the vampires want to shut down. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
Their wants are expressed late in the film, providing padding instead of an honest new angle. Courtney Howard, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025 The finale saw Mark’s innie and outie fighting via a camcorder, both versions of Mark struggling to get the other to accept their wants. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for want
Recent Examples of Synonyms for want
Verb
  • Some might suggest that these delusions of grandeur are designed to tranquilize the nervous masses; regardless, the public obviously craves them.
    Lauren Stienstra, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Andy’s almost three decades with the company gives him reason to validate Dan Black’s viewpoint at EY: younger generations crave autonomy but also want to be part of something bigger.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There needs to be a continuation of the Behavioral Threat Assessment process to include colleges and Universities.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Boone was asked if Chisholm needs to find a better way to control his emotions.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Several countries have toughened advisories for citizens wishing to travel to the U.S. under the Trump administration — warning them there could be greater scrutiny at borders after some foreign travelers were turned back.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • So both of us very much wish to find our own places.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There will always be Penguins fans who don’t like Ovechkin, and there will always be Capitals fans who don’t like Crosby.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Whether Grandpa was in charge of making his famous recipe, helped Grandma whip up his favorite cake, or just liked to put in a request for his favorite dessert, these recipes are just like the ones Grandpa always looked forward to eating after Easter dinner.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His quickness getting across the crease, his evident athleticism, more than made up for any lack of experience.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, only 10% of indie authors and publishers earn more than $10,000 annually, often due to a lack of promotional strategy.
    Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the short term, the PC market risks huge price increases along with component shortages if the 145% tariff on Chinese imports persists.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
  • There’s also a host of brand-new, inexperienced medical students; a staffing shortage; and the hospital administrator breathing down Dr. Robby’s neck.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Breaking Generational Poverty Cycles Head Start and Early Head Start programs are pivotal in disrupting cycles of generational poverty.
    Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Just one-eightieth of the resulting savings, or $324 billion, could eradicate global extreme poverty.
    David Vetter, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Organizations must stop treating burnout as a personal failing or an unavoidable reality of today’s workplace, and start recognizing it as a systemic issue.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • One major failing has been a slow response to an obvious need for more water storage — either in reservoirs or underground aquifers — to capture winter rains and spring snowmelts as a buffer for dry years.
    Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/want. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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