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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
The legislative push was not prompted by controversy in Connecticut, but rather a desire for consistency and perceived public health benefits. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 Holton’s desire to find an in was both professional and personal. Qian Julie Wang, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
One of the biggest changes is that healthy children ages 2 to 18 years no longer need a routine COVID-19 vaccination but can get one if desired. Pia Pannaraj, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025 If desired, add sea salt or your favorite seasonings to taste. Johna Burdeos, Health, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • New smells, the sight of movement, or the presence of other animals can overwhelm their recall training, making the urge to explore stronger than their owner's call.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Collaborations can also be lucrative, and the urge to join a wellness class or community is strong.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hess talked about chess with a sense of gravity that went beyond interest or mere passion; an elegant move or complex position would light him up.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Beyond the gridiron and his partnership with Hot Wheels, Wilson continues to build on his passion for inspiring the next generation through his lifestyle brand, 3BRAND.
    Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The appeals administrator would be the one who does grant that or not grant that.
    Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • But its unique landscape appeals to a much broader range of demographics, from retirees checking off bucket-list destinations, to Southern California families escaping the sprawl, to young adults on a quest for self-discovery.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Every Major League Baseball team craves depth, and on Thursday, the Atlanta Braves were able to snake some from a National League rival.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The situation unfolded earlier this week when TikToker Bookie Woodz posted a now-controversial clip, accusing Ayesha of craving male attention and subtly disrespecting her husband in the process.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Clubs could do worse than seek to exploit that situation next summer.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • There’s nothing new about humans seeking to optimize their health and extend their lives (Hippocrates espoused cold baths; Benjamin Franklin touted vegetarianism), but the medium has changed.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An intimate look at the life of soon-to-be 18-year-old Bruno, whose youthful impulses and longings stand in contradiction to the responsibility of being the sole carer for his ailing 86-year-old grandmother.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The intention was to show the passion for each other, and that this is the culmination of all the waiting and longing and yearning.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • True to his reputation as a naturalist, Shakespeare had transcribed a duet of love and partnership between two owls as part of a song of lust and merriment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
  • This was a man for whom there was not much difference between $1 and $1 million, any more than there was any difference between lust and love.
    Stephen Galloway, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To avoid a trial, Jordan’s lawyers just accepted a plea deal, which will close out the case for good.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
  • However, in November 2021, Smith changed his plea to guilty and also agreed to testify against Shah, who still maintained her innocence, according to Business Insider.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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