Meaning & use

wanted

adjective·Everyday

Sought after, desired, or, especially, sought by the police in connection with a crime.

See it in a sentence

The escaped prisoner remained one of the country's most wanted fugitives for years.

She felt truly wanted by her new colleagues after just a week on the job.

A note on using this word

In crime contexts, 'wanted' specifically means sought by police, as on a 'wanted poster,' distinct from simply being desired.

Words with a similar meaning

soughtdesired

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

unwanted

Make it your own

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