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.
“There was a moment when I saw the building tilt a lot and I said, ‘Oh God, I don’t want to die in there.’”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
"I want to show how high the temperature goes here, and what it is like to live in this condition," said Abhishek, a 21-year-old student.
From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026
It’s hard, particularly now when we all want to make sure that the strait is truly open.
From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026
"I just want to take the opportunity to ask people, really to beg people, to come forward," she said.
From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026
“I don’t want you to go. Belle will miss Midnight.”
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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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