want in
Idioms-
Desire to enter, as in The cat wants in . The antonym is want out , as in The dog wants out . [First half of 1800s]
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Wish to join a business, project, or other undertaking, as in Some investors want in but have not yet been admitted . Again, the antonym is want out , as in Many Quebec residents want out of Canada . [Mid-1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“He is direct, thoughtful, and deeply cares about this company. That is exactly what you want in a chairman.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 2026
"His mentality is exactly what you want in a young player," he said.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
It’s everything you want in a scene partner.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
Now the Reagan-era initiative is officially back for the summer—and some adults want in on the nostalgic fun.
From Slate ● Aug. 10, 2026
“You want in? I’m joining the next round.”
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
