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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

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
The impulse is understandable given Canada’s population is much smaller, at just under 40 million, and the brand’s desire to create richer shopping experiences. David Moin, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024 Middleton’s night lasted 37 seconds and wreaked havoc with the Wild’s defense pairs for 59 minutes, 23 seconds and John Hynes’ desire to play Faber and Middleton against Connor McDavid and company. Michael Russo, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
Start off with a small amount—only a few drops—and slowly increase the amount if desired. Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 12 Dec. 2024 Start by cutting the flowers with about 6 inches of stem, removing the leaves and a few outer bracts for smaller blooms if desired. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for desire 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desire
Noun
  • This time around, the reflexive urge to publish was stifled.
    Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
  • But along with generosity, disasters also bring out fraudsters ready to exploit these charitable urges.
    William P. Barrett, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • His dedication extends beyond the classroom, from volunteering to securing a summer internship with IU Cancer Research, all while pursuing a collegiate soccer scholarship and his passion, aiming to become Dr. Kamar’e Carr, world changer!
    Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Completing the trifecta of air, land, and sea, Anthony has maintained his passion for rowing, sitting as a board member of the Monica Burguera Foundation, which focuses on safety education for boaters.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Surely, the government could force insurers to facilitate the process and resolve appeals promptly.
    John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Per the outlet, the ruling was later reversed by a district court of appeal, on the basis that a tax rebate in a 1996 Disney expansion deal passed by the Anaheim City Council.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Junior point guard Noah Mister craves being in the biggest moments for Mount Carmel.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Dec. 2024
  • This tension between control and freedom, tradition and innovation, connects James’ work with collectors craving visual impact paired with emotional and cultural significance.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • More importantly, the Nuggets are seeking help in the form of someone who is able to create offense with the ball in his hands.
    Sam Amick, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Turkey is seeking to eliminate armed Kurdish militants, Israel has struck the remnants of the Syrian Arab Army’s capabilities and expanded its territorial control, while the United States has ramped up its strikes on ISIS and moved warships to the region.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • For those longing for the era when moviegoers were asked to believe Arnold Schwarzenegger was just a regular, relatable dad, Jingle All the Way is the movie for you.
    Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The vaguely bluesy folk songs courtesy of A.G. Cook put us in a place of longing from frame one.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Scott’s Tom Ripley was a clean break from that of Matt Damon; instead of a petulant pretty boy seized by envy and lust, this Ripley was older (Scott is in his late forties) and scarier, a lonesome manipulator with a murderous gleam in his eye.
    Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Slater’s mansion is terra-cotta red, which in cinematic color theory signals danger and lust; the snakes on the island are yellow, for sickness and deceit.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • In Timberlake’s plea deal, he was sentenced to 25 hours of community service and fined $500.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024
  • But incoming Republican Chair Brendan Carr, an Elon Musk ally, will likely reject the pleas.
    Michael Kan, PCMAG, 6 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near desire

Cite this Entry

“Desire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desire. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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