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desire

[dih-zahyuhr] / dɪˈzaɪər /




VERB
ask, request
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONG
WEAK
not want


Usage

What are other ways to say desire? Desire, a formal verb, suggests a strong wish: They desire liberation. Wish implies the feeling of an impulse toward attainment or possession of something; the strength of the feeling may be of greater or lesser intensity: I wish I could go home. Want, usually colloquial in use, suggests a feeling of lack or need that imperatively demands fulfillment: People all over the world want peace.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In a joint statement, co-CEOs of Historic England Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire said that Bate's "life was defined by her intense curiosity and desire to understand the natural world".

From BBC Sep. 7, 2026

George Joseph came of age during the Great Depression, a calamity that left with him with a stated desire to always have plenty of work to do.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 4, 2026

A desire to reveal something just beneath the visible surface is manifest throughout, from the chiaroscuro studies of marble elevator banks to empty stairwells that spiral out of sight.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 3, 2026

Although the alleged activity in the Los Angeles dwelling wasn’t enough to send Madison packing, she has recently opened up about her desire to relocate to lighten the load on her coparenting situation.

From MarketWatch Sep. 3, 2026

But try as she might to care about the elaborate feast they had planned in her honor, she could not shake the desperate desire to be anywhere else.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Elsesser says that what he desires most is to remain compassionate and open-minded.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 7, 2026

As James notes, "Our actions feel like they are caused by decisions based on desires, beliefs, and intentions."

From Science Daily Aug. 25, 2026

Marvell Technology reports earnings this week but Wall Street desires more details on a recently announced agreement with Google.

From Barron's Aug. 24, 2026

But such great champions are, of course, born competitors who have insatiable desires to win matches - and Grand Slam trophies.

From BBC Aug. 22, 2026

She would quickly subordinate her own desires to those of the family or the community, because she knew cooperation was the only way to survive.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

The desired outcome is a more naturally filled out look.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 4, 2026

McGuigan added; "We need reform, but it must be properly funded, planned on a whole-system basis and undertaken with the best for patient outcomes, regardless of where they live, as the desired outcome."

From BBC Sep. 3, 2026

The frequencies from the BioCharger’s three coils and light from the tubes are said to penetrate the user’s cell walls to balance their cellular makeup, creating relaxation, clarity and, ultimately, fulfilling the user’s desired “recipe.”

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 2, 2026

"Our technique turns out to be remarkably stable. Depending on the desired precision, we can systematically improve our formulas using additional approximation methods," says Florian Ecker from TU Wien.

From Science Daily Aug. 30, 2026

Elton’s absence just at this time was the very thing to be desired.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Huckabee reportedly told embassy staff in an email there was "no need to panic, but for those desiring to leave, it's important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later".

From BBC Feb. 27, 2026

The motivations for septuagenarian entrepreneurs include desiring autonomy, pursuing meaningful projects and addressing societal needs.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 2, 2025

“Being pregnant, desiring pregnancy, and parenting your children does not absolve you from being at risk of criminalization,” Perritt told Salon in a phone interview.

From Salon Oct. 3, 2024

She had a predilection for painting women as modern, urban, desiring.

From New York Times Apr. 1, 2024

“There is hardly any desiring to refresh such a memory as that,”—said Mr. Knightley, feelingly; and for a moment or two he had done.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen




Vocabulary lists containing desire


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