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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
Also, the desire to tie the hands of successors with opposing views again played in. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025 These include working breed dogs, such as the Belgian Malinois or border collie, renowned for their high drive and intelligence levels, as well as their strong desire to train and learn. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
When detached from the bike, the Convoy can be pushed along hand-trolley-style, with the motor still providing assistance if desired. New Atlas, 21 May 2025 Ghibli’s style was applied to family portraits, historical events including 9/11, and whatever else people desired. Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • Cultivate sustained attention on tasks that need continuous mental effort, resisting the urge to multitask or switch topics often.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • But, having again started to write songs, Simon felt an urge to play the album in front of audiences.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • While market opportunity and product-market fit are paramount, successful entrepreneurship often stems from an innate drive and passion for pursuing a vision.
    Daniel Ramsey, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • On May 24, Saturn will enter Aries for the first time in decades, marking the start of a new era of autonomy and bold passion.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • However, after weeks of volatile visa policies, capped with the Trump administration’s move last week to terminate Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, the appeal of the U.S. as a host country is in flux.
    Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • That case, like the one on school T-shirts, arose from appeals by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal group.
    David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The age of white-washed, super scant, and industrial spaces are behind us—designers are craving excitement, color, life, stories within interior design.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 May 2025
  • The entire ending of the game was wild, and now people are craving more drama from this series.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Miami sought him, too, before landing Carson Beck for $3 million.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • One seeking this kind of worker needs to ask a lot of questions about the qualification and training of any worker offered.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The result is dinner that borders on theater - one that will leave guests satisfied, slightly in awe and longing for their next kaiseki experience.
    Caroline Tell, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • In the latest, a clumsy but charming young woman in Paris, struggling to become a writer and longing for Jane Austen-style romance, finally has her moment at a Jane Austen Writers’ Residency in England.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • In this intertwining tale about lust, rage, and abandonment, Alice must find her mysterious hook-up in order to save her humanity.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 22 May 2025
  • Working with producer Carter Lang of SZA and Doja Cat fame, de la Fuente is no longer trying to capture the gilded vignettes of home, but rather relaxing into the bliss of fleeting moments, creating universal depictions of lust and yearning sung in breathy registers.
    Vita Dadoo, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • His legal issues weren't over with the plea deal and probation, however.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • The fact that Carrier’s plea deal contains only a single charge left some victims even more angry.
    Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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