How many letters does the top answer for “a colloquial contraction of was not.” have?

The most common answer is want (4 letters).

Crossword clue: a colloquial contraction of was not.

1 answer found in Letterora's clue database (Wikidata facts, Open Trivia DB, WordNet and Webster definitions — all licensed sources).

want 4 letters web-def

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

a colloquial contraction for can not. 75% similar → cant

a contraction of shall not. 50% similar → shant