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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
Does a partner’s dream clash with your home desires? Usa Today, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 The Royals still loved his desire to win and willingness to battle through adverse situations. Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
The weaknesses Detroit’s middle six leaves a lot to be desired. The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025 Taste, and season with salt and pepper, as desired. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • The strong urge to be a positive disrupter can thrust you into the role of trailblazer.
    James Patterson, Big Think, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Resist the urge to criticize someone or make a fast retort that will spark arguments.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For Giants fans, the energy and passion that Skattebo plays with may be the most exciting part of the team.
    Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Miller later said the same enemies can’t comprehend their strength, determination and passion.
    Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But many of the available tools are focused on reducing administrative burden by transcribing clinical visits, drafting notes and formulating appeal letters.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Explaining banknotes’ appeal, the European Central Bank study says that in moments of acute stress the public sees cash as a reliable store of value and a resilient means of payment.
    Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • People might be craving horror as a way to make sense of this madness.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And that’s a shame, because reassurance is what their audiences crave most when the world around them teeters.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many began seeking alternatives outside the traditional system, and policymakers—particularly in Republican-leaning states—intensified efforts to expand school choice programs.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Magdalene Serenity House received inquiries from 190 women seeking a safe place to heal, recover and rebuild in 2024 with 117 meeting the group's eligibility requirements, organizers say.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While the film is filled with incredible gay kisses, my personal favorite remains when Ennis and Jack reunite for the first time; there’s nothing giddier than the full-body passion that overtakes you after being reunited with your long-distance true love after months — or years — or longing.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
  • The lyrics, rooted in his own experiences and the turbulent reality of the Civil Rights Movement, spoke to a collective longing for justice and a belief that progress—though slow—was inevitable.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There's so much joy and this entrepreneurial spirit and kind of lust.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
  • True to his reputation as a naturalist, Shakespeare had transcribed a duet of love and partnership between two owls as part of a song of lust and merriment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This is his first full album since the end of the YSL trial and his formal release from prison, following his guilty plea on October 31, 2024.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • As part of the plea agreement, three other counts Brown was facing have been dismissed.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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