wish
Usage
What are other ways to say wish?
To wish is to feel an impulse toward attainment or possession of something; the strength of the feeling may be of greater or lesser intensity: I wish I could go home. Desire, a more formal verb, suggests a strong wish: They desire liberation. Want, usually colloquial in use, suggests a feeling of lack or need that imperatively demands fulfillment: People all over the world want peace.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Growing up, it was kind of hard, because I felt like I couldn’t have conversations with my grandparents. I wish I was able to ask them questions.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
“But also, I just wish people would calm down ... try to talk to us, try to engage with us and help de-escalate the situation, instead of making it worse.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
He added: "I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss."
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
The man's lawyer did not wish to comment when asked by AFP.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
I wish I could fast-forward to when I can shut myself in my room after this is over, or—no.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
