Wish — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈwish/

Meaning & Definition of Wish

Wish (verb)

  1. to have a desire for (something, such as something unattainable)
  2. to give expression to as a wish, bid
  3. to give form to (a wish)

Wish (noun)

  1. an act or instance of wishing or desire, want
  2. an object of desire, goal
  3. an expressed will or desire, mandate

Wish (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to offer (something fake, useless, or inferior) as genuine, useful, or valuable

    "despite my protestations, the dreaded position of club secretary was wished on me"

    similar: fob off, foist, palm, palm off, pass off
    related: entail, force, impose, inflict, counterfeit, fake, forge, distort, falsify, misrepresent

  2. to see fit

    "you're free to sit wherever you wish"

    similar: choose, like, please, want, will
    related: ache (for), covet, crave, desire, die (for), fancy, hanker (for), hunger (for), itch (for), long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), yearn (for), decide, determine, resolve

Wish (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in request, desire

    similar: desire, request, want, claim, demand, dun, importunity, requisition, ultimatum, drive, need, requirement, stipulation, basic, essential, must, imposition, condition, provision

Related Entry: Wish (for) (verb)

Wish (for) is a different word from Wish. The synonyms below are for wish (for), not for wish.

  1. to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy

    "having her own home was something she had wished for since she was a child"

    similar: ache (for), covet, crave, desiderate, desire, die (for), hanker (for or after), hunger (for), itch (for), jones (for) (slang), long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), salivate (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), want, yearn (for), yen (for), set one's heart on
    related: spoil (for), adore, delight (in), dig, enjoy, fancy, groove (on), like, love, relish, revel (in), favor, prefer, admire, appreciate, cherish, prize, treasure, value
    near: abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe, decline, refuse, reject, spurn

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Wish

The most common words with a similar meaning to Wish:

fob off, foist, palm, palm off, pass off, choose, like, please, want, will, desire, request, claim, demand, dun, importunity, requisition, ultimatum, drive, need, requirement, stipulation, basic, essential, must, imposition, condition, provision

Related Words for Wish

entail, force, impose, inflict, counterfeit, fake, forge, distort, falsify, misrepresent, ache (for), covet, crave, die (for), fancy, hanker (for), hunger (for), itch (for), long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), yearn (for), decide, determine, resolve

Word Forms of Wish

Inflections: wished, wishing, wishes

Derived words: wisher (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Wish

Middle English wisshen, from Old English wȳscan; akin to Old High German wunsken to wish, Sanskrit vāñchati he wishes, vanoti he strives for win

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Wish

Words & Phrases Containing Wish

wish fulfillment, wish list, wish-wash, wish away, wish (someone) luck, wish (someone or something) on (someone), wish someone well, death wish

Frequently Asked Questions about Wish

What does "Wish" mean?

"Wish" means to have a desire for (something, such as something unattainable). As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to have a desire for (something, such as something unattainable). It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Wish"?

Other words for "Wish" include fob off, foist, palm, palm off, pass off, choose, like and please. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Wish" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Wish"?

There are 57 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Wish". Common alternatives include fob off, foist, palm, palm off, pass off, choose, like, please, want and will.

How do you use "Wish" in a sentence?

Examples of "Wish" in a sentence: "despite my protestations, the dreaded position of club secretary was wished on me"; "you're free to sit wherever you wish".

Is "Wish" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Wish" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Wish" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Wish" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Wish"?

"Wish" is pronounced /ˈwish/.

What is the origin of the word "Wish"?

"Wish" comes from Middle English wisshen, from Old English wȳscan; akin to Old High German wunsken to wish, Sanskrit vāñchati he wishes, vanoti he strives for win. First known use: before 12th centuryt.