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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
Meanwhile, the public's desire to see legislation passed that institutes real changes continues to grow. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 For all their interest in absences and gaps and frustrated desires, her past two novels still kept the reader well fed. Emma Alpern, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Google account used during setup can bring in favorite apps and services, plus users can hit the Play Store to install more if desired. New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2025 Garnish with cilantro and onion slices, if desired, and serve hot, family-style. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • Curiously, over the decades that followed, writers could not resist the urge to project a big fat chip (sorry) onto the shoulders of England’s capital city.
    Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • As the moon clashes with Venus, resist the urge to go overboard.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Kicking has turned into his new passion over the last few years.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Our Pause for Purpose curriculum is one example of an intentional step toward making a career change or pivot with passion and purpose.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The sleek all-black upper, paired with black rubber pods on the outsole, embodies the sultry and timeless appeal of a black shoe versatile enough to be worn anywhere.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Zendaya may be filming a movie off the coast of Sicily, but her off-duty ensemble has universal appeal.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At that moment in his life, Bacon was craving some peace of mind.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • For those who still crave that feeling, but don’t have a private-jet budget, BeOnd—a boutique, all-business-class airline—is pitching itself as the next best thing.
    Scott Campbell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In May 2023, the Biden administration ended a pandemic-era policy under which migrants were denied the right to seek asylum and were rapidly returned to Mexico.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Since returning to office on January 20, and during last year’s election, Trump has riffed again and again on seeking a third term.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Their brows are furrowed, their mouths are pouty, their faces are twisted into ever-more over-the-top expressions of longing and ambivalence.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
  • But looking back, many feel a longing for the God of War of old.
    Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Khazan is filled with a lust for revenge against the emperor and all of those who betrayed him, while the Blade Phantom seeks to restore balance to the underworld, which has been sent into disarray due to events on the surface.
    Scott McRae, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025
  • There’s gorgeous provocation, and there’s so much love and lust in her eyes.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Mitchell was arrested after he was accused of firing a gun while deputies were on his property for a mental health welfare check, prosecutors said in the plea agreement and McClatchy News reported.
    Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • In a plea agreement with the state, Banks, who is 38, on Friday pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failure to report a felony and was sentenced by Judge Steven Jumes to two years of deferred probation.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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