would like

Want to have

Would like is a polite way of expressing desire or preference, softer than "want": I would like a cup of coffee, Would you like to join us?

The contracted form "I'd like" dominates casual speech.

Would like often introduces requests or invitations, lending them a courteous tone.

I'd like to thank everyone who helped.

desire

wanting

Absent or insufficient

cravingPowerful urge to have
longingIntense, persistent desire
yearningIntense prolonged craving

wishing · hoping · dreaming · coveting · pining · hankering · itching · aching · dying to · lusting

politeness

requesting

Asking for something

askingPosing questions
preferringLiking one more
wonderingFeeling curiosity about something

inquiring · seeking · hoping · wishing · please · kindly · might · could · perhaps · if possible

intent

planning

Arranging for future events

intendingHaving a plan
meaningWhat something signifies
aimingDirecting toward target

hoping · expecting · anticipating · looking to · considering · contemplating · thinking of · proposing

preference

favoring

Showing partiality toward

choosingSelecting from alternatives
preferringLiking one more
incliningSloping or disposed toward

leaning toward · opting · fancying · enjoying · appreciating · savoring · relishing · taking to · partial to

Categories

future intentionswant to, going to, aim to, will, shall
wantingwant, desire, crave, yearn, long
modifiersadjectives, modifier, modifiers, adjective, adverb
modal verbscan, could, may, might, must

Opposites

desire/preference

would likecan't stand

Strongly dislike, find intolerable

want no part of

assertiveness/force of expression

would likedemand

Forceful request or requirement

must have · require · command · order · will have

agency/passivity

would likewhatever

Expression of apathy

Family

like, willing, liking, dislike, liked, would, unwilling, willful, likes

Familiarity: Top 2,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G