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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
Bring the House Down isn’t a meditation on review culture, but a story of flawed human beings wanting to do something worthwhile, making mistakes, desiring and hurting each other, and trying to be good. Charlotte Runcie july 10, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025 Note: if the mixture thickens more than desired over time, add a little water or beef broth. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • After all, these rich, beautiful people couldn't possibly see past Dee's uncontrollable urge to panic-gag and Charlie's uncontrollable desire to shove grotesque amounts of cheese in his mouth, right?
    Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 10 July 2025
  • That means listening harder, partnering deeper and resisting the urge to simply digitize outdated practices with shinier tools.
    Alex Goryachev, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Their steadfast passion for making exceptional whisky established the foundation for the distillery's distinguished legacy.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Many Saudis are staying local as costs rise — real estate, education, and transport prices are all up, with rents seeing the sharpest jump at nearly 10% year-on-year — not because Egypt’s coast lost its appeal.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Not just taxing what people crave, but selling it—and creating the market if need be?
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The transfer breakthrough Eddie Howe has been desperately craving after multiple setbacks — Bryan Mbeumo, Dean Huijsen and Joao Pedro among them — was at risk.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 July 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
  • La Piscine’s dark summer romp through the dangers of lust, jealousy, and gluttony proves nothing is ultimately sexier than the privilege of indifference.
    Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
  • This is consciousness-raising comedy about divinity, lust and landscaping that is also a beautiful balanced human drama.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • He was sentenced to one year of probation on the misdemeanor charge as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, who agreed to drop more serious charges of harassment and misuse of public monies.
    Robert Anglen, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
  • In early May 2013, Rachel turned herself in as part of a pre-arranged plea deal.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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