desire 1 of 2

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

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
In the meantime, Tuttle, who is two years into a five-year contract, reiterated her desire to carry on leading the festival. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2026 The solar superstorm also demonstrated the negative impact that such space weather can have on space technology, a risk that drives the desire of researchers to develop better space weather prediction. Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
Simply remove the green outer skin, blend (eeds included), strain if desired, and serve with mint and lime. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026 DuVall says a secondary kitchen (sometimes called a prep kitchen or a scullery) is also increasingly desired. Mary Grace Granados special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • Resisting the urge to pause for a photo every few steps could very well become your biggest challenge of the trip; that, or deciding where to eat.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Usually this practice demands restraint, even if the urge is to scatter tinsel over every line.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The work of an amateur photographer whose life’s passion was boxed up after his death is getting new exposure thanks to an Elgin couple who inherited his more than 20,000 Kodachrome slides.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Ceramics are a particular passion, most notably in the formal living room.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • While the Congress and the Communists retain loyal voter bases, Shah's party has drawn larger crowds on the campaign trail, highlighting its growing appeal among younger voters seeking an alternative.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • In January, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court granted her an appeal to reexamine the matter.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Make them for your next spooky activity or if your craving a pumpkin treat at home.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
  • February 19 – March 20 Your tender heart may crave creature comforts.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The meetings come as the Republican administration seeks to leverage military assets to restore dominance in the hemisphere while now also fighting a war in Iran.
    JOSHUA GOODMAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • February’s bankruptcy plan offered an indication that GST was seeking to prioritize its relationship with athletes to facilitate a possible path forward for the project.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The facile novelty of adultery is its own mask, a sexy way of dressing up a deep, frightened longing for security.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The Creature begins gentle and curious, longing for connection.
    Tom Debley, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the show’s understanding of powerful men’s lust for young — often too young — women, Hayley and, subsequently, Yasmin are positioned as conduits between the elite and their transgressive desires, not unlike Ghislaine Maxwell’s role in Epstein’s broader scheme.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
  • That small cabal of handlers pulling the strings and feeding his ego, lust for revenge and greed are the real culprits who must be held accountable.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Kirk was charged by federal prosecutors with a felony but offered a misdemeanor plea deal before the case went to trial.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • They were not required to enter a plea.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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