desire 1 of 2

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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
Many factories have struggled to find workers who have the skills and desire to work at manufacturing sites that are often located away from major population centers. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 Jessica's desire to move on is tested by Felix (Will Sharpe), a musician who fills her life with new possibilities (and anxieties). EW.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
Bring the House Down isn’t a meditation on review culture, but a story of flawed human beings wanting to do something worthwhile, making mistakes, desiring and hurting each other, and trying to be good. Charlotte Runcie july 10, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025 Note: if the mixture thickens more than desired over time, add a little water or beef broth. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • 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, EW.com, 10 July 2025
  • That means listening harder, partnering deeper and resisting the urge to simply digitize outdated practices with shinier tools.
    Alex Goryachev, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The episode explores Freeman's passion for his role and the unique experience of being a sports organist.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
  • The family’s true farm-to-table lifestyle—growing fresh fruits and vegetables, raising chickens, hogs, and cattle—instilled in Mike a lasting passion for fresh ingredients and an appreciation for how meals can tell a story, bring people together, and celebrate heritage.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The appeal will also involve an oral argument during which attorneys for the NFL and NFLPA field questions from the panel.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • Additionally, weaker interest rates often result in a softer U.S. dollar, enhancing the appeal of alternative stores of value.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Not just taxing what people crave, but selling it—and creating the market if need be?
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The transfer breakthrough Eddie Howe has been desperately craving after multiple setbacks — Bryan Mbeumo, Dean Huijsen and Joao Pedro among them — was at risk.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • But a December revolution ended the Assad family’s rule, and the former Islamist militant who leads the new government has sought new investment and trade links, which Gulf states in particular have been quick to offer.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • His lawyers argued the prosecution failed to prove the charges against Combs, and the defense sought an acquittal after the prosecution rested.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Metaphorically, the fight is the smoke, and the longing is the fire.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The sign says that rubbing the ox brings good luck, its forehead dark with the sweat of human longing.
    Rebecca Chace July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • La Piscine’s dark summer romp through the dangers of lust, jealousy, and gluttony proves nothing is ultimately sexier than the privilege of indifference.
    Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
  • This is consciousness-raising comedy about divinity, lust and landscaping that is also a beautiful balanced human drama.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • He was sentenced to one year of probation on the misdemeanor charge as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, who agreed to drop more serious charges of harassment and misuse of public monies.
    Robert Anglen, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
  • In early May 2013, Rachel turned herself in as part of a pre-arranged plea deal.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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