want
Usage
What are other ways to say want?
The verb want, usually colloquial in use, suggests a feeling of lack or need that imperatively demands fulfillment: People all over the world want peace. Wish implies the feeling of 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.
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.
“And, you know, thinking about the fact that they might want to become mothers at some time or they’re coming in as mothers is really important.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026
This Mother’s Day, I want to remind us that it’s moms who have been driving U.S. labor market growth since the pandemic.
From Salon • May 10, 2026
Where does LeBron James want to play next?
From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026
I say I want “an insight into why Dr. Becky is a cultural phenomenon and has been since the early days of the pandemic.”
From Slate • May 10, 2026
“What? You don’t want to stay home with me?”
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
Vocabulary lists containing want
"A Modest Proposal," Vocabulary from the satire
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"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 3
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Selection Vocabulary 2, Unit 2
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