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.
When we hold anger and other emotions in, when we refuse to talk to our partners or friends — and you want people to read your minds — that’s when it becomes a problem.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
"They made us do all kinds of things we didn't want to do," another adds.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
“Facing this, you want to think about all the levers you can pull,” Gates said.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
If you don’t want public scrutiny, and you don’t want to be held to a high ethical standard, don’t take the job!
From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026
“I want to be in the front, lead the charge. It took so much just to get this far, and now, it’s not far enough. I want to push us further along.”
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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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