Synonyms for

Wanted

Verb / ˈwɔ:ntɪd / Another word for wanted — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to desire or wish for something; to need or require something

Synonyms & similar words

treasured want require need desire precious unwanted cherished desire crave need require necessitate demand seek intend expect anticipate await

Synonyms by register

Formal

desired sought required needed

Informal

needed craved longed for hoped for

Literary

yearned for coveted craved

Antonyms

unwanted undesired disliked rejected spurned unnecessary

Common collocations

  • wanted poster
  • wanted dead or alive
  • wanted to know
  • wanted to say
  • wanted to go
  • wanted to see
  • wanted to buy

Word family

noun want
verb want
adjective wanted

Usage note

The adjective 'wanted' often implies a strong desire or necessity. It is commonly used in phrases like 'wanted poster' to indicate someone being sought by authorities.

Example sentences

  1. I wanted a puppy for my birthday but Mom got me a goldfish instead.
  2. She wanted to go to the park but it was raining outside.
  3. He wanted a bigger piece of pizza than his sister.
  4. The plants wanted more water to grow properly.
  5. The teacher wanted her students to try their best on the test.

Quotes

  • “I've wanted to be a writer since I was a kid.” - John Green
  • “I wanted to be a doctor that I might be able to work without having to talk because for years I had been giving myself out in words.” - Albert Schweitzer
  • “I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose dad had meatballs on the table every night.” - Lady Gaga

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words