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.
“Sabbir doesn’t want to share with us information about the situation,” said his father-in-law, Kutub Uddin Biswas.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026
Whether Fernandes receives individual accolades or not, United fans will want to be certain their talisman is staying.
From BBC • May 8, 2026
“The reason for that was, I want to go back to work, and I am trying to find any way that I possibly can to limit the risk and exposure for a team,” Bauer said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026
Most seniors say they any want to age in place, but difficulty handling bills can lead to late fees, canceled insurance policies and problems with credit, and accelerate an unwanted move to assisted living.
From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026
It keeps talking, like a boat motor with no shut-off valve, saying more stuff I want him to know, even though most of me knows he doesn’t care.
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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