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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
Two years ago, Guardiola claimed that the reinvention of this City team was not always part of a grandmaster desire to push the boundaries. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 30 June 2025 In a 2024 interview with Interview magazine, Rihanna spoke about her desire to have a girl. Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Verb
But his shot selection left a lot to be desired, especially in minutes paired alongside higher-octane scoring options. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025 Yet in the post-Cold War era, many young Thais feel alienated by the institution’s opaque, hierarchical structures, and desire more accountability. Charlie Campbell, Time, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • Most importantly, resist the urge to settle or lower your standards because dating feels hard.
    Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
  • Resist the urge to stick exclusively with people from the same background who all see the world the same way.
    Robert E. Siegel, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Their steadfast passion for making exceptional whisky established the foundation for the distillery's distinguished legacy.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • February 2025 Knight of Wands: The full moon in Leo on February 24 will supercharge your creativity and passion, making this the perfect month to take bold risks in love, art, or personal projects.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The veil’s appeal has even trickled off the aisle and onto the runway.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
  • At the time of the appeal's filing in December 2024, JD Vance was already serving as vice president-elect.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Yet Xi’s China craves the reserve-currency title the most.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • This generation craves brands that feel personal, intentional and emotionally resonant.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • But a December revolution ended the Assad family’s rule, and the former Islamist militant who leads the new government has sought new investment and trade links, which Gulf states in particular have been quick to offer.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • His lawyers argued the prosecution failed to prove the charges against Combs, and the defense sought an acquittal after the prosecution rested.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Is something deeper, perhaps an emotional or spiritual longing, influencing your career choices?
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 June 2025
  • The heartbreak in Ruhl’s version lies in the longing of the father-daughter relationship rather than that of the lovers; Ruhl wrote it as a tribute to her own father, who had died a few years before.
    Pamela Newton June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The script is sassy and fun and the cast — Nadler, Helene Udy, Sandra Cruze, Ethan Corn, Jessica Kinsella, Ty Chen and Maya Worthy — make for most pleasant company as Josh grapples with grief, lust and the realization that perfection is indeed an illusion.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 June 2025
  • This powerful introduction sets the tone for an astonishing and brave exhibition which delves deep into the psyche of the artist and addresses universal themes of love, lust, loss, illness and fear.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Villar entered the plea in a brief court hearing with no further comments.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025
  • After declining to take a plea deal from prosecutors, Combs went to trial last month and could go to prison for the rest of his life if convicted on all counts.
    Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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