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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
With a desire to focus on education for African Americans, Laney founded the Haines Institute, which included classes from kindergarten through junior college. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025 Testy exchange Zelenskyy began the meeting by reasserting his desire for security guarantees from the U.S. to ensure Russia doesn't restart the conflict after a peace deal. Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
This is hardly the stuff of the more ethical world that Mishra claims to desire. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025 However, gold remains the most historically consistent and desired precious metal. Marc Guberti, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • Use silence in meetings—Resist the urge to fill pauses immediately.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The urge to assist recently laid off federal workers comes after continuous cuts to the federal workforce.
    Shaela Foster, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Terry, who has worked in the solar industry for 18 years, traces his passion back to a business trip to China in 2010.
    Alexandra Harbert, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Another great example could be turning a passion for cooking or playing a sport into an online course, teaching others how to master recipes and techniques.
    Alejandra Rojas, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In a 2023 documentary celebrating the boot’s 50th anniversary, the New York rapper Rakim explained its appeal.
    Kin Woo, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Trump already has filed an appeal to the Supreme Court in a dispute over whether the president can fire the head of an independent agency.
    Erin Doherty, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Successful organizations are those that can learn continuously—and this requires individuals and teams who crave to know more and who seek challenges and learning.
    Tracy Brower, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • For Dimension 20, its existing library of pre-pandemic games attracted people who maybe craved togetherness and lighthearted escapism.
    Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Moore is seeking $5 million in punitive damages per song and $150,000 per willful infringement.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025
  • President Volodymyr Zelensky had also been seeking security guarantees for Ukraine, a condition that was absent in the first draft agreement presented to him last week, prompting him to decline to sign the deal.
    Constant Méheut, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Jealousy is often a sign of frustrated longing or desire.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Spending your days pampering other people can foster a deep feeling of longing to be the one being fed and massaged.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s pettiness and lust for vengeance are un-American Like white on rice, Trump is all over you, President Zelenskyy.
    Sabrina Haake, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
  • This simmering drama set at a cruising beach drips with longing, lust, and the breezy freedom of a warm and sunny day spent by the water watching bodies glisten.
    Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Ruby cast blame on Hildebrandt for what had occurred and agreed to testify against the counselor as part of a plea deal.
    Rachel Brodsky, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Young Thug ended 2024 on a high note for himself and his fans when he was offered a plea deal and released from jail.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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