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.
But the band, who originally split in 2005 after their record label went bankrupt, are clear they want the 12 September show to be "a big rave".
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
There are around 1,000 in total who have said they want to leave South Africa, the ministry has said.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
And the hype that makes that possible is supplied, in part, by ordinary investors who don’t want to feel left out.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026
She said: "We're also lucky that with the Arbroath Smokie we get a lot of tourists who want to come and see that."
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
“If you really want your head to be messed with, take a look at some of the people on this thread—some of them are right here at this school.”
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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