Thesaurus

desire

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of desire

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a strong wish for something

a desire for adventure and excitement prompted him to travel to Africa

Synonyms for desire

Words Related to desire

want,
wish

obsession

cacoëthes,
mania

Near Antonyms for desire

2 sexual appetite

ads for drugs that increase desire

Synonyms for desire

Words Related to desire

libido

venery

Near Antonyms for desire

3 an earnest request

at the delegate's desire, the voice vote on the controversial measure was followed by an actual roll call

Synonyms for desire

Words Related to desire

desire

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of desire (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy

he greatly desired a new mountain bike for his next birthday

Synonyms for desire

Words Related to desire

spoil (for)

favor,
prefer

Phrases Synonymous with desire

set one's heart on

Near Antonyms for desire

2 to make a request for

the host desires a response to the dinner invitation by tomorrow

Synonyms for desire

Words Related to desire

invite,
invoke

Frequently Asked Questions About desire

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

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