110+ Synonyms for Want with Meanings and Examples

The word want is very common in everyday English, but it does not always mean the same thing. Sometimes it shows a simple wish, sometimes a strong need, and sometimes just a personal choice. Because of this, English has many synonyms for want, and each one fits a different situation. In this article, we’ll explore the most common synonyms for want and how to use them naturally in daily English.

What Does ‘Want ‘ Mean?

Want means to wish for something or to feel that you would like to have or do something. In simple terms, when you say you want something, you are talking about something you would like to have or do. For example, you might want a cup of tea, want to learn English, or want some rest. It can be a small wish or a strong need, depending on the situation.

List of Synonyms for Want

Common Synonyms For Want

• Desire – to want something strongly.
• Need – to require something important or necessary.
• Wish – to want something politely or hopefully.
• Crave – to want something very badly.
• Require – to need something officially or seriously.
• Lack – to not have enough of something.
• Long for – to want something deeply for a long time.
• Yearn for – to want something with strong emotion.
• Request – to ask for something politely.
• Demand – to ask for something firmly or strongly.
• Seek – to try to get or achieve something.
• Prefer – to like one thing more than another.
• Fancy – to want or like something casually.
• Ask for – to say you want something directly.
• Hope for – to want something to happen in the future.
• Expect – to believe something should happen.
• Miss – to feel the absence of something or someone.
• Be short of – to not have enough of something.
• Feel like – to want something at the moment.
• Aim for – to want to achieve a goal.

Types of Synonyms for Want

The word want can express different ideas depending on context. Its synonyms can be grouped by meaning.

Desire or Wish

Used when you strongly want something.

• Desire – to want something deeply
• Wish – to want something, often politely or emotionally
• Crave – to want something very strongly
• Long for – to want something for a long time
• Yearn for – to feel a deep emotional want

Need or Necessity

Used when something is essential or required.

• Need – to require something
• Require – to need something officially or strongly
• Lack – to not have enough of something
• Be in need of – to require help or something essential

Demand or Expectation

Used in formal or strong situations.

• Demand – to ask firmly
• Call for – to require action
• Expect – to believe something should happen

Preference or Choice

Used when expressing liking or selection.

• Prefer – to like one thing more than another
• Choose – to decide on something
• Fancy – to like or want something casually

Common Alternatives to Want

Want vs Desire

Want refers to a simple wish or preference for something, whereas desire expresses a stronger, more passionate feeling toward it.
Examples:

• The team wants more volunteers for the event.
• There is a strong desire to achieve excellence in every project.’

Want vs Long for

Want indicates a current or immediate wish, whereas long for conveys a deep, enduring yearning that lasts over time.
Examples:

• The child wants a new bicycle for her birthday.
• After years abroad, many long for the comfort of home.

Want vs Wish

Want is a practical or realistic want, whereas wish implies hope for something that may be unlikely or imagined.
Examples:

• The company wants to hire more staff to meet demand.
• He wishes he could travel back in time.

Want vs Need

Want describes something that is desired, whereas need refers to something essential or necessary for well-being or survival.
Examples:

• The student wants a new laptop for personal use.
• Access to clean water is a basic human need.

Want vs Crave

Want shows a moderate level of desire, whereas crave indicates an urgent or intense longing that is difficult to ignore.
Examples:

• She wants a cup of coffee this morning.
• After a long day, he craved a quiet place to relax.

Synonyms for Want in Different Contexts

The word want can be used in many situations, and its meaning often changes depending on the context. Different words can be used instead of want to show desire, need, preference, or strong feelings, making expressions clearer and more precise.

Informal Expressions

• Feel like – She feels like having ice cream after dinner.
• Be up for – He is up for a movie tonight.
• Fancy – I fancy a cup of tea.
• Be after – They are after a new smartphone deal.
• Hanker for – After the long trip, she hankered for a hot bath.
• Crave – He craves chocolate every evening.
• Itch for – The children itched for the weekend to arrive.
• Be keen on – She is keen on joining the art class.

Formal Alternatives

• Desire – The company desires to expand into new markets.
• Aspire to – He aspires to become a respected scientist.
• Require – The project requires additional funding.
• Request – The manager requested a detailed report by Friday.
• Seek – The organization seeks volunteers for the community program.
• Call for – The situation calls for immediate action.
• Solicit – The charity solicits donations from local businesses.
• Demand – The client demands high-quality service at all times.

Absolute and Related Synonyms for Want

Absolute Synonyms for Want

These words can directly replace “want” in most contexts.

Related Synonyms for Want

These words express related ideas, but may not replace “want” in every context.

FAQs About Synonyms for Want

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