DESIRE Synonyms: 185 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

desire 1 of 2

noun

Definition of desire next

as in urge

a strong wish for something a desire for adventure and excitement prompted him to travel to Africa

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in passion

sexual appetite ads for drugs that increase desire

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈzī(-ə)r

as in to crave

to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy he greatly desired a new mountain bike for his next birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to seek

to make a request for the host desires a response to the dinner invitation by tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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

Sang-woo’s willingness to betray others for survival clashes with Gi-hun’s desire to hold onto his humanity, even in the face of overwhelming pressure. —

Jane Lacroix, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024 Orlando added in two-way wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope over the offseason, signaling a desire to win. —

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Verb

There is no question that recent defensive performances have left a lot to be desired. —

Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 Of course, the thin mattress leaves something to be desired in comparison to the Topo2's memory foam, but a padded level floor always beats the floor of rocks, roots and twigs that await below the thin fabric of a ground tent. —

New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for desire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire

Noun

The Chargers clinched a playoff berth with their 40-7 drubbing of the New England Patriots, and Harbaugh felt the urge to wrap his arms around first-year general manager Joe Hortiz.

Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
This explains why couples can also feel the urge to reset and commit to new goals for their relationships.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024