WANT Synonyms: 252 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

want 1 of 2

verb

ˈwȯnt

Definition of want next

as in to crave

to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy I want a new car so badly!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to need

to have as a requirement that stray cat wants food and a clean place to sleep

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to wish

to see fit do what you want

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as in to like

to wish to have I want some ice cream for dessert, please

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want

2 of 2

noun

as in lack

the fact or state of being absent the proverb that begins, "for want of a nail, the shoe was lost"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in shortage

a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number there's a notable want of teachers in that rural school district

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in need

a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful those children are in want of some good discipline

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in poverty

the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions grew up in extreme want

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in failing

a defect in character she's well-meaning and kind, but her besetting want is a complete lack of tact

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Brooklyn was always where the supermodel wanted to end up setting up home, with Gregory Rockwell and Hester Hodde of Gregory Rockwell Interiors helping bring her oasis to life. —

Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025 Concrete balconies with railings A condo with concrete balconies with railings implies the association lacks funding to renovate and install ones with glass, a modern look owners want these days. 3. —

Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025

Noun

That means being clear about your wants, needs, and deal-breakers—and in the process, improving every aspect of your life. —

Angela Haupt, TIME, 31 Dec. 2024 This involves actively identifying the stakeholder’s wants, needs and assumptions. —

Samantha Tassone, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for want

Recent Examples of Synonyms for want

Verb

Should one crave additional cold, there’s a cryotherapy chamber available for three-minute bookings.

— Alexandra Cheney, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025
Naturalistic Designs Homeowners are craving a more natural look in the garden, with a less structured, more naturalistic appearance that relies heavily on perennials with different bloom times.

— Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025