1
as in urge
a strong wish for something
a desire for adventure and excitement prompted him to travel to Africa
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in passion
sexual appetite
ads for drugs that increase desire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
1
as in to crave
to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy
he greatly desired a new mountain bike for his next birthday
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to seek
to make a request for
the host desires a response to the dinner invitation by tomorrow
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
So is their desire and ability to use those songs as launching pads to new aural vistas, not as final destinations.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2026
Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 June 2026
The 2026 election is expected to reflect this enduring centrist electorate, with successful leaders appealing to the largest possible number of voters who desire change, but only to a certain extent.
—Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for desire
Noun
Canetti saw the impulse to join a crowd as part of a deeply human desire to dissolve individual boundaries, to both lose yourself and experience a kind of emotional release, a sense of power, that comes with feeling many times larger than just your isolated self.
—Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
So is their desire and ability to use those songs as launching pads to new aural vistas, not as final destinations.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2026
Verb
Just pick three or four different solid hues and intersperse as desired.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 June 2026
The 2026 election is expected to reflect this enduring centrist electorate, with successful leaders appealing to the largest possible number of voters who desire change, but only to a certain extent.
—Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
-
If sharing is so great at bringing people together why, when accosted with an unceasing soliloquy of self-disclosure, do so many feel the urge to flee?—
Jessica DuLong,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
-
Resist the urge to rush the straining steps.—
Georgina Hayden,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Riemenschneider complimented the cleanliness and the family’s passion, Unlu said.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 June 2026
-
Both fandoms known for their unmatched passion and energy.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Los Angeles appears poised to lose in its attempt to keep $100 million in state grant funding for transportation projects in some of the neediest neighborhoods after a state commission declined to hear the city’s appeal for an extension.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
The area, a working-class and largely white part of Greater Manchester, is a top target for Farage’s party, but Burnham sought to turn back the tide, relying on his unique appeal as the region’s popular mayor.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
This generation craves a future worth preparing for, and employers have a unique opportunity to provide financial access and education that can help get them there.—
Julia Bartak,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
-
Ravenous fans craved news about the calf that Pulisic injured last week, first in training, then in a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
Residents in the area were being encouraged to seek higher ground.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
The area’s Labour MP, Josh Simons, resigned with the deliberate intent of allowing Burnham to win the seat, enter Parliament and seek the leadership.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
At times the longing feels sweet and the search like a little sorrow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 June 2026
-
The sun shines a light on your personal desires and longings.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Politicians are still destroying the peace just for their own power lust.—
Steve Appleford,
SPIN,
17 June 2026
-
The daughter in the ’62 version is an object of lust for Cady, too, but Danielle’s active interest in him really sets the two movies apart.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
In October, his children made heartfelt pleas to a New York federal judge to see their father released from federal lockup after more than a year of incarceration.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
-
Under the conditions of Hawkins' plea agreement, negotiated by defense attorney Justin Scheider and deputy prosecutor Sam Douglass, Hawkins, who now lives in Nevada, must also complete an anger management program.—
John Lynch,
Arkansas Online,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
