desires 1 of 2

Definition of desiresnext
plural of desire
as in appeals
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

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desires

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of desire

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 desires
Noun
Can the executive branch bypass the Constitution to satisfy its own political desires? Yohuru Williams, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 On most film sets, there’s traditionally what one desires in a piece of work and the practical reality, and then the work becomes a compromise between those two poles. Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026 Guest lists grow, the destination becomes more exotic, the wedding gown more unique – despite the couple's original desires. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026 The intensity surrounding your desires is no exception, but this is a personal turning point where your approach to love and relationships transforms. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026 Many of the specific desires such as affordable housing, parks, youth sports complex, homeless shelter, community garden, immigration center and grocery store were later summarized in one report. Mathew Miranda january 18, Sacbee.com, 18 Jan. 2026 Their worst deeds are the product of desires and fears that aren’t foreign to any of us. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026 Consequently, if a developer desires to exploit a property, not for affordable housing, but rather for maximum economic return, the restrictions associated with historic preservation pose a significant impediment. Michael S. Hiller, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026 The characters are all operating from real needs and desires. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
As for Madigan's fellow nominee, Fanning plays Rachel Kemp, an American actress who desires more serious roles, in Norwegian film Sentimental Value. Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026 Anderson's Constance Van Ness, the head of a rich mining family in the frontier town of Angel’s Ridge, desires the silver buried beneath Jasper Hollow, a tract of land partially owned by Headey's headstrong Fiona, a mother to four orphans. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Dec. 2025 Russia desires more strategic territory, while Ukraine has been adamant on security guarantees from Washington and its Western allies to ensure this type of invasion doesn't happen again. Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Nov. 2025 For now, the Royals have quality starting depth that every team desires. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2025 Give whoever replaces Grier carte blanche, complete freedom, a blank slate, to do whatever the person desires with the organization. Omar Kelly october 31, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025 Jey has been focused on his singles career, while Jimmy desires a return to their tag team roots. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 Lavrov said that Russia desires peace, despite Russia launching some of its most aggressive strikes against Ukraine in weeks on Thursday. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 24 Aug. 2025 This sends a very important message that Western leaders cannot ignore - Russia does not want to end the war and not without getting everything that Putin desires. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desires
Noun
  • However, classic games do have a certain aesthetic that appeals to the nostalgic gamer.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
  • His attempt to win their loyalty against China relies on coercion and force rather than more traditional American appeals to the values of liberty and self-determination.
    Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Minneapolis knows that violence is exactly what this administration craves.
    Jennifer Brooks, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The league craves flexibility, and Barrett’s contract is the shortest.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The group also requests confirmation that the taxable event is the disbursement of the remittance to the recipient, not initiation of the remittance transfer.
    Carrie Brandon Elliot, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
  • First, if a state requests assistance to put down an insurrection against the state government.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Last month, the building went into foreclosure, and residents were forced to move out of the building by court orders, despite pleas for more time.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The pleas for global support come as the United States faces pressure from Israel and other Arab nations not to provide military aid to protestors, due to fears of retaliation and broader regional conflict, according to the New York Times and other outlets.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The need for reinvention comes about not because the world is divided into men and women, old and young, but rather because people are diverse and come to the table with differing needs, wants, and perspectives.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
  • No one wants to have to keep repeating themselves to a computer.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Several speakers said their concern was less about state law itself and more about communication, questioning whether parents would be informed when their child seeks services.
    Nina Burns, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The exodus rattled investors as the startup seeks funding at a $50 billion valuation with little revenue and only one product, The Information reported.
    Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • People also flooded her comments and DMs with prayers, encouragement and stories of their own.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
  • In other locations, particularly in southeastern Iran, rights groups said security forces fired directly at protesters in Zahedan after prayers, wounding several people.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Desires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desires. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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