urge 1 of 2

verb

ˈərj How to pronounce urge (audio)
Definition of urgenext
as in to encourage
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action the public service announcement urges pet owners to spay or neuter their pets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

urge

2 of 2

noun

as in desire
a strong wish for something I'm trying to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 urge
Verb
Global Fashion Agenda has therefore put forward a Call to Action to mobilize action, urging EU and national policymakers to study and introduce incentives needed to make circularity work in practice. — María Luisa Martínez Díez, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026 But Netanyahu’s government ministers have openly expressed opposition to the plan and are now urging him to renege entirely on cooperating with the Board of Peace. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
The urge to stir constantly is real, but resist it—the pasta needs a few undisturbed minutes in the skillet to develop that deep golden crust. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2026 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, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for urge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for urge
  1. encourage
  2. desire
  3. craving
  4. longing
  5. thirst
  6. hunger
Verb
  • Our firm’s community association attorneys encourage everyone to visit these sites to learn more about its activities and how to support them.
    — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Michigan relies on supply chains that are heavily integrated with Canada after decades of policies that encouraged reducing bilateral trade barriers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Definition of encourage
Noun
  • In the Public Employment Relations Board filing, SEIU Local 1000 shared its desire to make suggestions on AI and technology that could affect employment matters, such as pay, productivity expectations, schedules and working conditions.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • His three-day sentencing hearing featured emotional victim impact statements, tapes of his confessions to police and insights into his twisted desire for infamy and obsession with school shooters.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of desire
Noun
  • But to your brain, romance may look less like affection and more like craving, stress, and reward.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Low energy, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, fainting, brittle or thin nails, hair loss, cravings to chew ice and restless legs syndrome are a few signs, according to Thomas.
    — Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of craving
Noun
  • At first glance, the Irwin Pizza Hut’s preservation of its 1990s aesthetic seems like a simple case of promoting a nostalgic longing for the past.
    — Jeff Galak, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
  • This is, at times, a wrenching novel, strewn with broken bodies, but its atrocities never overwhelm its faith in creaturely communion, and in grief and longing that clarify, rather than obscure, one’s desires and selfhood.
    — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Definition of longing
Noun
  • Staying hydrated is especially important since GLP-1 medications can reduce thirst for some people, and travel itself — especially flying, hot weather, or long sightseeing days — may already increase the risk of dehydration.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Vuskovic’s thirst to improve is accompanied by a temperament to deal with setbacks, indicating a maturity beyond his years.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of thirst
Noun
  • Irina’s hunger and possessiveness both escalate, leading to the (offscreen) murders of anyone who gets in the way — of her parenting, or a meal.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • Initially focused on pedigree, a junior designer's innovative mock-up taught him that hunger and ideas are paramount.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of hunger

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Cite this Entry

“Urge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urge. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of urge for Spanish Speakers

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