desire 1 of 2

1
2
3
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

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
Elliott was totally keyframe animated yet had a stop-motion vibe in accordance with the director’s desire to embrace a certain artifice that was somewhat surreal. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025 Also during his confirmation hearing, Makary stressed his desire to find innovative solutions to lower drug prices and make technologies more accessible to patients as well as removing conflicts of interest between the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA. Gabrielle M. Etzel, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
However, Fried’s 3.25 ERA last season was his highest since 2019, while his 11-10 record left more to be desired. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 Mar. 2025 Land is actively anti-democratic, desiring a system where great men (guided by algorithms and artificial intelligence) steer the ship of state. Ed Simon, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • Resist the urge to jump straight into a pitch, start by actually engaging with your network.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • In the meantime, McBride advised existing homeowners to resist the urge to tap their home equity for all but the most essential contingencies.
    J.J. McCorvey, NBC News, 20 Mar. 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
  • Netanyahu may remain electorally vulnerable, then, but the electorate will be vulnerable to the appeal of hard-liners.
    Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Some have no desire to eat in labor while others crave nutrients to keep them energized.
    Carson Meyer, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • In 2025, expect a fresh lineup of global talent and forward-thinking artists, all set in an atmosphere for those craving something beyond the main stage.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Philadelphia has been seeking nothing more than punching a ticket to the lottery.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
  • By embracing experimentation, while fostering a psychologically safe culture, and actively seeking ways to encourage collaboration, managers can be strategically resilient and prepare their teams to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.
    Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 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
  • Proctor was due to enter a plea but applied for an adjournment on medical grounds.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on desire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!