26 Synonyms for Wish | Another Word for Wish (With Examples)

Ever felt a bit sour or annoyed because you really, really want something but can’t get it? That craving feeling, a bit like a sharp, harsh, or even gloomy wish, can be tough. But guess what? There are so many fun and different ways to say wish! Let’s explore 26 cool synonyms that can make your writing or talking more exciting.

1. Aspire

To aspire means to strongly want or aim for something important in life. It’s more than just a wish—it’s a deep hope that pushes you to work hard. People often aspire to success, happiness, or skills. For example, “She aspires to become a doctor one day.” It shows a serious desire with a plan. When you aspire, you imagine a bright future and put effort into reaching it. It’s like wishing but with action. “He aspires to be the best player on the team.” Use aspire when you want to sound hopeful and motivated.

2. Beg

To beg is a very strong way of wishing for something, usually when you really need or want it badly. It’s asking for something with a lot of hope or sometimes desperation. For example, “The child begged his parents for a new toy.” It shows that the wish is urgent and important. Begging is a bit emotional, and it’s like saying, “Please, I really want this!” “She begged for a chance to prove herself.” Use beg when the wish feels very strong and heartfelt.

3. Crave

When you crave something, it means you want it a lot, often very strongly and often about food or feelings. It’s more than just a small wish—it’s a deep hunger for something. For example, “I crave chocolate after a long day.” It can also be for things like love or attention. “He craves adventure and new experiences.” Crave shows a powerful and strong wish, like your mind and body really need it. It’s perfect when you want to show strong desire.

4. Desire

To desire means to want something strongly, often with passion or emotion. It’s a little more formal but still easy to understand. You can desire anything: success, peace, or friendship. For example, “She desires to travel the world someday.” Desire shows a deep feeling that makes you hope for something. “They desire to live in a big house by the beach.” When you want to sound serious or romantic, desire is a great word to use for wish.

5. Dream

To dream means to think about something you want in your imagination, often something big or wonderful. It’s a soft kind of wish, full of hope and fantasy. For example, “He dreams of becoming a famous singer.” Dream is about hope for the future, often something special. “They dream of a happy life with their family.” Use dream when you want to show your hopes are sweet and full of imagination, like wishing with your eyes open.

6. Earnest Hope

An earnest hope is a serious and strong wish. It’s not just a quick or small desire but a deep and honest wish for something good. For example, “She had an earnest hope that her friend would recover soon.” It means you really want something to happen and you care a lot about it. “They had an earnest hope to win the competition.” Use this phrase when you want to show that the wish is honest and heartfelt, like a deep wish inside.

7. Fancy

To fancy something means to want or like it, often in a light or playful way. It’s a gentle wish or desire, sometimes a little romantic or fun. For example, “He fancies going to the beach this weekend.” Fancy can also mean liking someone. “She fancies the idea of a quiet vacation.” It’s a soft and casual way to say wish. Use fancy when your wish is happy and a little flirty or simple.

8. Hankering

A hankering is a strong but quiet wish or craving for something. It’s often a slow, constant feeling inside. For example, “I have a hankering for some homemade pie.” It’s like a gentle, long-lasting wish you feel inside. “She had a hankering to visit her hometown.” Use hankering when you want to describe a slow, soft wish that keeps coming back in your mind.

9. Idealize

To idealize means to imagine something as perfect and wish it was that way. It’s a wish mixed with admiration, often thinking something is better than it really is. For example, “He idealizes his childhood memories.” It’s like wishing things were perfect or just right. “They idealize their favorite hero as flawless.” Use idealize when you want to show a wish full of hope and a perfect image in your mind.

10. Jockey for

To jockey for means to try hard to get something you want, often competing with others. It’s an active wish, where you work or fight for what you want. For example, “The players jockey for the best position on the team.” It shows a wish with action and effort. “She jockeyed for attention during the meeting.” Use jockey for when your wish means competition or effort to get something.

11. Long for

To long for something means to want it deeply and for a long time. It’s a strong, emotional wish that often feels a little sad because it hasn’t happened yet. For example, “He longs for his family to visit him.” It’s a deep wish in the heart. “She longs for peace and quiet in her busy life.” Use long for when you want to show a heartfelt and serious wish that stays in your mind.

12. Meditate on

To meditate on something means to think about it carefully and wish for it quietly. It’s a calm, thoughtful kind of wish. For example, “He meditates on a better future every day.” It shows quiet hope and desire. “She meditates on her dreams before going to sleep.” Use meditate on when you want to show a peaceful and thoughtful wish or hope inside your mind.

13. Nurture Hope

To nurture hope means to keep your wish or hope alive by caring for it and believing in it. It’s like growing a small plant inside your heart. For example, “They nurture hope that things will get better.” It means the wish is cared for with love and patience. “She nurtures hope for a happy ending.” Use nurture hope when you want to show a gentle, patient wish that grows stronger every day.

14. Opt for

To opt for something means to choose it because you want it. It’s a wish that leads to a decision or choice. For example, “He opted for the blue car instead of the red one.” It shows a clear desire with action. “She opted for a quiet evening rather than a party.” Use opt for when your wish turns into a choice or decision in real life.

15. Pine for

To pine for something means to want it so much that it feels painful or sad. It’s a deep wish, often for someone or something far away. For example, “He pined for his lost love.” It shows a strong, emotional wish that hurts a little. “She pined for the days of her childhood.” Use pine for when your wish is filled with sadness and strong feeling.

16. Pray for

To pray for something means to wish for it by asking a higher power or God. It’s a hopeful and respectful wish often used by people who believe in faith. For example, “They prayed for peace in the world.” It shows deep hope and trust. “She prays for her family’s health every night.” Use pray for when your wish is spiritual or comes with faith.

17. Query

To query means to ask or wonder about something, often hoping for an answer or result. It’s a curious kind of wish. For example, “He queried if the plan would work.” It shows a wish mixed with questioning. “She queried about the chances of winning.” Use query when your wish is about asking or wondering what will happen.

18. Request

To request means to ask for something politely, often hoping to get it. It’s a wish spoken clearly and kindly. For example, “She requested a day off from work.” It shows a formal wish or hope. “They requested more time to finish the project.” Use request when your wish is shared openly and politely with others.

19. Seek

To seek means to try to find or get something you want. It’s an active wish with effort. For example, “He seeks advice from his friends.” It shows a wish combined with searching or working. “They seek happiness in their daily lives.” Use seek when your wish means looking for or chasing something important.

20. Thirst for

To thirst for something means to want it very badly, almost like being thirsty for water. It’s a strong, deep wish. For example, “She thirsts for knowledge and learning.” It shows powerful desire. “He thirsts for adventure and new places.” Use thirst for when your wish is strong and urgent like a real need.

21. Trust

To trust means to believe or hope that something good will happen. It’s a quiet kind of wish based on faith. For example, “She trusts that everything will be fine.” It shows hope with confidence. “They trust in a better tomorrow.” Use trust when your wish comes from believing in good results without worry.

22. Urge

To urge means to have a strong wish that pushes you to act. It’s a strong feeling inside to do or get something. For example, “He felt the urge to help his friend.” It shows a wish with energy and action. “She urged her team to keep trying.” Use urge when your wish makes you want to move or do something right away.

23. Visualize

To visualize means to imagine your wish clearly in your mind, like seeing a picture of it before it happens. For example, “She visualizes success every day.” It’s a wish mixed with clear mental pictures. “He visualizes himself winning the race.” Use visualize when your wish is strong and clear, and you imagine it before it happens.

24. Want

To want is the simplest and most common way to say you wish for something. It’s a basic word that means you feel a need or desire. For example, “I want a new phone.” It shows a clear wish. “They want to travel next summer.” Use want when you want to say your wish simply and clearly without extra feelings.

25. Yearn

To yearn means to have a strong and often sad wish for something that feels far away or hard to get. It’s a deep wish from the heart. For example, “She yearns for the days before the war.” It shows a soft but powerful wish. “He yearns to see his family again.” Use yearn when your wish is full of emotion and longing.

26. Zeal for

Having a zeal for something means you have a strong and passionate wish or desire for it. It’s full of energy and excitement. For example, “They have a zeal for helping others.” It shows a very active wish full of fire. “She has a zeal for learning new languages.” Use zeal for when your wish is full of excitement and strong positive feelings.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—26 great ways to say wish! Each synonym adds a special feeling to your hope or desire. Whether it’s a soft dream, a strong urge, or a deep yearning, these words help you express yourself better. Try using them in your writing or daily talk to sound more interesting and clear. Wishing isn’t just one thing—it’s many beautiful feelings, and now you have the perfect words to show them all!