desire 1 of 2

1
2
3
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

2 of 2

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
Today no one has the desire or patience to spend time digging holes then have to wait six months for the flowers. Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Oct. 2025 But with a burning desire to walk across the stage with her classmates, Menish sat down at the end of the semester to carefully review her options. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
The notion that the nine-time Women’s Super League champions need more hunger in the one competition that has historically evaded them may sound faintly ridiculous but this was a night that left plenty to be desired. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 If desired, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • The caffeine can help further stimulate your urge to poop.
    Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Jayden Daniels’ fairytale 52-yard Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown may have never happened had Stevenson resisted the urge to engage with the crowd both before the final snap and then, stunningly, for several seconds after the play began.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Can a player with such high-level talent supplement his passion with winning focus?
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Her discovery, her self-creation, her passion, and emergence as an artist felt braided with what had originally fascinated me about paint-making.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Gilbert appealed Wilson’s ruling; however, in December 2024, a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel turned down Gilbert’s appeal, per Courthouse News Service.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 8 Oct. 2025
  • The Buccaneers, which mixes soapy costume drama with Taylor Swift songs, has been well reviewed by critics (72% Rotten Tomatoes average) and has developed a devoted following but has not broken out the way some of Apple TV+’s broad-appeal hits have.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Visiting the Magnolia properties in Waco, Texas, is a treat for the taste buds—but faraway fans who are craving a Silos Cookie are now able to bring all of the most popular Magnolia bites straight to their own kitchens.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Occasionally, Kate craves something sweeter, British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Human rights in Russia will suffer if the surveillance of dissident activity ramps up, and those seeking alternative means of communicating will stand out even more as regime-threatening anomalies.
    Justin Sherman, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The song becomes a longing ballad to finding the person you’re meant to end up with, like swans in the wild, showing how Zardoya draws specific connections to the topography around her and the feelings that live deep inside her.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Through longing, sacrifice, and perseverance, these women leave an enduring imprint on a story much bigger than their own.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Motivated by Friede’s fearsome Charizard and with almost as much lust for adventure as his trainer Roy, this little fireball (evolved in season two to Crocalor) wants to be the very best, like no one ever was.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • That remark — coupled with the image of the ingenue Tilly — generated an outpouring of fury, anxiety, fascination and lust.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Black Album, Drake’s Take Care, 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me, and, notably, Gunna’s DS4Ever, despite their public falling out following Gunna’s plea deal in the YSL RICO case.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Unlike most people facing these charges in Alabama’s 19th Circuit Court, this defendant was not offered a plea deal for a lesser charge.
    Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on desire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!