1
as in inflicting
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in wanting
to see fit
you're free to sit wherever you wish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wishing
Season Four will open doors that some in town will end up wishing had remained closed, according to the official logline.
—
Denise Petski, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Several others wishing to use the site expressed frustration on Facebook and X about not having access and being directed to send email, when email was not working.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at (844) 909-3006 or text REPORT to the same number.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishing
Denise Petski, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Several others wishing to use the site expressed frustration on Facebook and X about not having access and being directed to send email, when email was not working.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at (844) 909-3006 or text REPORT to the same number.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wishing
Verb
-
Sacramento police had arrested Adger on suspicion of battery, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and inflicting undue suffering or pain on a dependent.—
Darrell Smith
May 1,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
-
His current preferred strategy, though, is inflicting maximum economic pain, sources familiar with the talks told CNN.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The village wanting to put its electrical and cable lines underground brought the total to a hefty $90 million.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In the report’s telling, by September 2028, investors have collectively stopped wanting to buy American debt at prevailing yields.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Despite outstanding architecture, what makes this imposing building truly notorious is its storied past.—
Regina Zumarraga,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
-
While Lady Gaga took the theme literally, slipping into a huge, imposing fuchsia-pink ensemble, others played it simple.—
Blanche Marcel,
Vanity Fair,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
His smarts and willingness to do the dirty work are coach-pleasing qualities.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Lululemon's choice of Heidi O'Neill as CEO isn't pleasing everyone.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Of the billionaires who line up on the Messeplatz for the First Choice VIP opening at Art Basel, few would be out of place palming handshakes and quaffing Champagne at the Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Belvédère.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The school also posted a picture of the center, who reportedly has a 7-4 wingspan, palming two basketballs on the program’s website.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For Suggs, choosing basketball over football was an excruciating decision.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
By choosing sustainable options and participating in recycling programs, pilgrims can ensure that their journey of faith also respects the sanctity of the natural world.—
FMG Studios,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Things quickly changed, however, as Orlando’s defense stopped forcing turnovers and its offense came to a halt.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The staff union picketed outside the SAG-AFTRA building, where those negotiations were held for the first two weeks, blocking entrances to the parking garage and forcing negotiators to cross a picket line to get inside.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the vein of each family dwelling, the village courtroom becomes an amphitheater of sorts, foisting upon its participants a sense of outward performance, while simultaneously exposing them to the elements.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
12 Apr. 2026
-
This quite plainly is a group of adult activists foisting their political causes onto the next generation, defining students in their own image, and asking them to carry these burdens for them.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wishing. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
