wanted
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for wanted, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Desired or sought after.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use wanted
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “wanted” mean?
The word “wanted” means desired or sought after. In plain terms, either desired, or (in a criminal context) actively being searched for by the law.
How do you pronounce “wanted”?
“Wanted” is pronounced WON-tihd (/ˈwɑn.tɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “wanted” in a sentence?
Here is “wanted” used in a sentence: “It felt good to finally be a wanted employee at a company that valued her.”
What is the opposite of “wanted”?
The opposite of “wanted” — its antonyms — is unwanted.
What part of speech is “wanted”?
“Wanted” is an adjective.
Is “wanted” a common word?
“Wanted” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wanted” have?
“Wanted” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: desired or sought after.
What is the difference between wanted and needed?
Wanted means desired - something you would like to have. Needed means required - something you cannot do without. You might want a new phone but need food and shelter. Want is about desire, while need is about necessity, though everyday speech often blurs the line between them.
What does 'wanted' mean on a poster?
On a 'Wanted' poster, the word means a person is being actively sought, usually by the police, for arrest or questioning. This sense grows out of being 'sought after' - but in a legal rather than an admiring way. The classic phrase is 'Wanted: dead or alive.'
What is the opposite of wanted?
The opposite of wanted is unwanted - not desired or not welcome. Depending on context, unwelcome, undesired, or rejected can also serve as opposites. An unwanted gift is one nobody asked for, while a wanted one is actively hoped for and gladly received.