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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
But her own bedside manner leaves something to be desired. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025 How does the organization continue to operate without urgency or desire to win? Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • Compulsive Behaviors Some who take Abilify have reported unusual urges, such as gambling or binge eating.
    Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Investors should resist the urge to panic sell, as doing so could damage long-term returns.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Which parent, like William, hasn’t wanted to share their passion with their children?
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The project also allowed Carson to merge her passions for music and acting while earning her first executive producer credit.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 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
  • Some might suggest that these delusions of grandeur are designed to tranquilize the nervous masses; regardless, the public obviously craves them.
    Lauren Stienstra, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Andy’s almost three decades with the company gives him reason to validate Dan Black’s viewpoint at EY: younger generations crave autonomy but also want to be part of something bigger.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Newsweek sought email comment from the Department of Education and the Department of Government Efficiency.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • From the beginning of his political career, Bukele sought to project a forcefulness that would stand in contrast to El Salvador’s seemingly innocuous, ineffective political class.
    Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 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
  • Down at the toe of Italy’s boot, lust hangs in the air.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
  • In this version, humanity’s lust for war has turned grim.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Under the terms of the plea agreement reluctantly accepted by Clymer in January 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of broker-dealer registration violation, a Class C felony.
    Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
  • According to a plea agreement filed by federal prosecutors on Tuesday, Fernandes Anderson will plead guilty to two of six public corruption charges that had been lodged against her in a December 2024 federal indictment.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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