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.
Some guests might expect the beds to look exactly like they do in the photos, and I don’t want to trick anyone or break any agreements with Airbnb.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026
“I want to thank President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for taking action and working alongside us to help survivors get the support they need and deserve,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
“You want to go toe to toe with Disney and Sony?” he says.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
“Now we want to be really active when we go overseas.”
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
The truth is that I do want to please her and tell her that my anxiety hasn’t been great.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
