to have a desire to possess or do something, to lack or be short of something desirable or essential

be in want of, not want to know, want the earth/moon

want for nothing, want out, want in

Formal and Informal Expressions of want

In different contexts, you can replace 'want' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'desire, require' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'crave, wanna' is a commonplace synonym.

want: Explore its Definition & Usage

want Definition

1to have a desire to possess or do something
2to lack or be short of something desirable or essential

Using want: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "want" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I want a cup of coffee.
Example
She wants to go on vacation.
Example
He wants to be a doctor.
Example
They want more money.

want Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for want

desire
crave
yearn
need
require
miss
lack
long for
be without

Antonyms for want

dislike
abhor
loathe
have
possess
hate
be full of

Idioms Using want

be in want of
to lack or need something
Example
The family was in want of food and shelter.
not want to know
to deliberately avoid hearing or learning about something
Example
When he found out about the accident, he didn't want to know the details.
want the earth/moon
to demand too much or ask for something that is impossible to obtain
Example
He asked for a raise, but he wanted the earth and the moon.

Phrases with want

want for nothing
to have everything one needs or desires
Example
Growing up, she wanted for nothing.
want out
to desire to leave or escape from a situation or relationship
Example
After years of working in the same job, he wanted out.
want in
to express a desire to be included in something
Example
When they heard about the party, they all wanted in.

Origins of want

from Old Norse 'vanta', meaning 'to lack'

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Summary: want in Brief

The verb 'want' [wɒnt] means to have a desire for something or to lack something desirable or essential. It can be used in various contexts, from expressing a simple wish like 'I want a cup of coffee' to indicating a long-term goal like 'He wants to be a doctor.' 'Want' also appears in phrases like 'want for nothing,' meaning to have everything one needs or desires, and idioms like 'not want to know,' meaning to deliberately avoid hearing or learning about something.