There’s a unique kind of stillness that comes with doing a crossword puzzle. It’s just you, the grid, and the clever dance of words. But then you hit it—a clue that feels both simple and impossible. The pen hovers. Your coffee grows cold. When the clue is something as beautifully vague as "wishes," you're not just looking for a word; you're trying to read the puzzle master's mind. What kind of wish are they talking about? A hopeful desire? A formal greeting? A magical incantation?
As someone who spends their days crafting wishes for greeting cards, I have a special appreciation for the many forms this word can take. Think of me as your linguistic guide. We're going to explore the various synonyms and concepts for "wishes" so you can find that perfect answer, fill in those squares, and get back to the satisfying flow of solving.
Quick & Common Clues: 3 and 4-Letter Answers
Sometimes, the simplest clues are the most common. If you’re dealing with a small space, the answer is likely a core concept or a high-frequency verb. These are the building blocks of both language and puzzles.
- HOPE: The classic four-letter answer. A gentle, optimistic synonym for wishes.
- PRAY: A wish directed toward a higher power.
- WANT: A direct, no-frills synonym for a desire or wish.
- NEED: A wish that feels more like a necessity.
- ASK: A simple verb for making a wish or request known.
- BID: As in, "to bid someone farewell" or "bid you good day." A wish of goodwill.
- URGE: A strong wish or impulse.
- PLEA: An earnest and emotional wish or request.
- YEN: A strong desire or craving; a wish for something you're missing.
Verbs of Yearning: When "Wishes" is an Action
Often, a clue for "wishes" will be phrased as an action, like "[He/She] wishes for a different outcome." In these cases, you're looking for a verb that captures the feeling of longing and desire.
- DESIRES: A formal and potent verb for wanting something deeply.
- ASPIRES: To wish for a great achievement or high goal.
- LONGS FOR: A common two-word answer for a deep, heartfelt wish.
- CRAVES: A powerful, almost physical wish for something.
- COVETS: To wish for something that belongs to someone else.
- HOPES FOR: Another frequent two-word answer, softer and more optimistic than longing.
- YEARNS: To have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something one has lost or been separated from.
- PRAY FOR: A specific action of wishing through spiritual means.
Heartfelt Hopes & Desires
This category moves beyond the action of wishing to the wish itself—the noun. These words represent the dreams, prayers, and deep-seated wants that we hold in our hearts.
- DREAMS: Wishes for the future, often aspirational or idealized.
- PRAYERS: Wishes expressed with religious or spiritual hope.
- PLEAS: Urgent, emotional requests or wishes for help.
- YEARNINGS: The feeling of intense longing; a collection of one's deepest wishes.
- DESIRES: The very things a person wants or wishes for.
- REQUESTS: Formal or polite wishes made to another person.
- ASPIRATIONS: Strong wishes or ambitions to achieve something great.
- FANTASIES: Wishes that are imaginative and perhaps unlikely to come true.
Formal Greetings & Kind Regards
Think about how you sign a greeting card: "Best Wishes." This entire category is dedicated to that specific use of the word—a wish for someone else's well-being or happiness.
- REGARDS: A classic, formal way to express good wishes. (e.g., "Give them my regards.")
- SALUTES: A gesture of respect or a formal expression of good wishes.
- GREETS: The act of offering good wishes upon meeting someone.
- TOASTS: A wish for health or happiness made before drinking.
- BLESSINGS: Wishes for divine favor or protection.
- COMPLIMENTS: Often used in the plural, as in "My compliments to the chef," which is a wish to convey admiration.
- FELICITATIONS: Formal wishes of joy, especially on the occasion of a marriage or success.
A Touch of Magic: Enchanted & Mythical Wishes
This is where wishes become truly whimsical. From folklore to fairy tales, wishes are often tied to magic, luck, and supernatural beings. These answers are perfect for a puzzle with a fantasy or mythical theme.
- SPELLS: A wish enacted through magical words or rituals.
- CHARMS: An object or phrase believed to bring good luck or grant wishes.
- GENIE: A mythical being that is famously known for granting wishes.
- JINNI: An alternate spelling for Genie, common in crosswords.
- VOWS: Solemn promises or wishes, often made in a formal or sacred context.
- INCANTATION: A series of words said as a magic spell or charm to make a wish come true.
- TRINKET: A small ornament or charm that might be considered a "lucky wish."
- TALISMAN: An object thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck, essentially a vessel for a wish.
### Now Go Fill in Those Squares!
The beauty of the word "wishes" lies in its vast and varied meanings. Hopefully, this guide has illuminated the right path for you and helped you conquer that tricky clue. Every crossword is a journey, and every solved clue is a small victory. Now, with your newfound answer, go forth and complete the grid! Happy puzzling