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Definition of desirenext
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as in appeal
an earnest request at the delegate's desire, the voice vote on the controversial measure was followed by an actual roll call

Synonyms & Similar Words

desire

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb desire differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of desire are covet, crave, want, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

Where would covet be a reasonable alternative to desire?

While the synonyms covet and desire are close in meaning, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

When might crave be a better fit than desire?

In some situations, the words crave and desire are roughly equivalent. However, crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When could want be used to replace desire?

The synonyms want and desire are sometimes interchangeable, but want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

When is it sensible to use wish instead of desire?

The meanings of wish and desire largely overlap; however, wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of desire
Noun
The series centers on Whit Lancaster, played by Pablo Kaestli, and Summer Savage, played by Kirby Elwood, who become entangled in a volatile dynamic of power and desire. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 June 2026 Iranian officials have cited a desire to ensure an official toll system lasts in the wake of the conflict. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 26 June 2026
Verb
Or, at least, that is what this particular brand of critic might desire. Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 If desired, run a quick cycle first. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • For some families, that one change can reduce the urge to check every message.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • The urge to quit everything tends to grow from being everything to everyone, until there is nothing left for yourself.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • The real-life Space Camp at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, was a dream destination for any kid with an interest in science, math, and space exploration — the ultimate trip for tweens and teens with a passion for science and technology.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 27 June 2026
  • Maybe World Cup visitors' passion for America's favorite condiment has reawakened some national pride here.
    Scott Simon, NPR, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • For some at-home converts, knowing exactly what is in their polish, and being able to choose alternatives, is part of the appeal.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • First came a federal court settlement requiring 1,200 units to be built (about half are now completed), then a second lawsuit resulted in an order to add 2,500 more, a ruling now under appeal.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Some people crave company and prefer to be in the office five days a week, while others want to be fully remote.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Sometimes people who mutually crave admiration from each other also have romantic feelings.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Uber fired the first shot with a ballot measure that sought to cap how much attorneys can earn in lawsuits involving auto accidents.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Messages seeking comment were left Thursday for Falck.
    HANNAH FINGERHUT, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Threading through all their stories is a wild bird – stolen from the forest, peddled in markets, caged in a home – whose restlessness becomes an emblem of every character’s longing to be free.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 June 2026
  • The film’s first official trailer offers up a sweeping, dramatic look at the Dashwood life (like the highly relatable, ha, drama of being kicked out of their sprawling mansion), complete with plenty of longing and even a dash of mystery.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Exploding The Weeknd’s shivery lust with the guttural churn of Deftones, this is toxic codependency music, the perfect soundtrack for Obsession if the movie were more tasteless.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
  • Politicians are still destroying the peace just for their own power lust.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • While not commenting directly on a report indicating that Nancy Guthrie had died, the Today co-anchor tearfully repeated her plea for anyone with information to come forward.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 23 June 2026
  • Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie on Tuesday opened up about a note reportedly sent to the media in February regarding the missing Nancy Guthrie by issuing another plea for answers around her mother’s disappearance.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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