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.
“Can you take me back there? I want to see it again. It’s been so long.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
“I don’t want to touch anything,” he said.
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
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’m going to Sunridge. I worked hard to get in, and I deserve to do what I want to do for me, like I helped you do what you wanted to do, for you.”
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
